by David Brenneman
“Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.” James 4:17.
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.” Philippians 2:14-16.
“So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12-13.
Knowing the right thing to do and does not do it...this is an unfortunate hallmark of many generations.
It's not just a word of instruction for the Believer it, by the nature of what it is...applies to every person.
So many things happen in our world that are terrible yet people observing such things walk right on by and do nothing about.
When it comes to complaining...grumbling even...we're poor examples of how that's to be handled as well.
So many professing Believer's just are not taking their life in Christ seriously. No where near as seriously as Jesus lived for His Father.
A life in Christ should not be a Christian seeking to find out just how much of the world they can keep in their life while obeying God the rest of the time. There is no happy medium, so to speak, between obedience and disobedience in Christ.
Christian's can yet still be as blinded by the things of this world as the unbelieving already and always are.
We make quick choices rather than pray and wait for God's answer.
We do this and since nothing happened and it looks like God's not against it...we embrace it, whatever it is, and don't question our decisions again about it.
This is how Believer's embrace idolatry because they've renamed it to something less offensive, they think, than what the Bible says about it.
When Believer's really walk with Jesus they really learn what is good and acceptable and what isn't.
That's growing in Christ.
That's becoming a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ.
That's knowing the good that you ought to be doing and doing it as unto the Lord.
When you indeed stand before Jesus to give an account of your life all your words, thoughts, and intentions will be tested by the fire of His truth about it all. If indeed you're desiring to give Him back a crown of righteousness to Him for all He's done for you...live as the Disciple you are in Christ as a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ. The more you obey His Word, in word, thought and deed the more value goes into that crown you will lay at His feet.
Consequently the reverse also applies. The less you obey the more you live your life for you rather than in obedience to God's Word and plan for you...the smaller and smaller that crown will be.
As a line from a song goes, they (the world) will know that we are Christians by our love.
Our love of Jesus Christ first and foremost. Our obedience to God's Word. Our living out life in the character of Christ. Our sacrifices our giving. Our allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Just how are you doing on this front?
How prepared for the day are you in the Lord? How much grumbling and complaining do you do? You should know that the Scriptures say that's not a good thing in the sight of our God.
How often are you getting away to be with Jesus? How often do you stop and read His Word to you?
How important is it to you to not compromise the Word of God in your life?
You're either going to obey God or obey whomever or whatever is vying for your heart.
The Scriptures say to consider our ways. Do you? Are you loving the world and the things of this world?
Are you seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness? Have you chosen to cast aside time with Jesus in favor of these things of this world that you 'love'?
That crown will get smaller and smaller. Consider your ways!
Stand firm in the Lord! Get that armor of God back on! You know the right thing to be doing...do it so that you might not sin against God.
That's the only option vs obedience...disobedience.
You either do what you're taught in Christ by the Spirit of God or you don't. An the Spirit will teach you the right thing to be doing...if you're truly listening.
All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.
New American Standard Bible
(C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation.
A corporation not for profit.
La Habra, CA All rights reserved
No comments:
Post a Comment