The Apostle Paul wrote,
“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” 2 Timothy 2:22.
I think these are words even non-Christians can understand. The pursuit of righteousness, faith, love, and peace are noble pursuits. If more people pursued them the world would be a better place.
That being said it I don’t think you can truly be a Christian and not pursue these things.
Please think about it.
The first thing to remember
The apostle Peter writes,
"Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:11,12.
The apostle Peter makes it clear here that we are aliens in this world. What that means is, we must obey the laws of the land we live in. As such we only have the rights and freedoms the government under which we are living gives us.
Only when mans laws violates our freedom to worship God can we speak against the government.
We have no right to condemn or speak out against freedoms granted by the government to others no matter how vehemently we disagree with them.
At the same time we have no right to judge those outside the Church. The apostle Paul states,
"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside.
Expel the wicked man from among you." 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Sadly all too many calling themselves Christians are judging anyone they disagree with inside and outside the church. While at the same time not expelling those who are not presenting the Word of God correctly.
Please think about it.
A to do list
The apostle Paul states,
“Let love for our brotherhood breed warmth of mutual affection.
Give pride of place to one another in esteem.
With unflagging energy, in ardour of spirit, serve the LORD.
Let hope keep you joyful;
in trouble stand firm;
persist in prayer.
Contribute to the needs of God’s people, and practice hospitality.
Call down blessings on your persecutors–blessings, not curses.
With the joyful be joyful, and mourn with the mourners.
Care as much about each other as about yourselves.”
Romans 12:10-16.
The above Scripture from the apostle Pauls letter to the Romans, tells us how to live as believers in Christ Jesus.
In the book of Galatians we read another set of attributes of a Christian,
"But the fruit of the Spirit is,
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22,23.
When people see your life, do they see the attributes listed above in your life?
Please think about it.
Bind them around your neck
In the book of Proverbs we read,
"Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favour and a good name in the sight of God and man."
Do you Love God? Are you faithful to Him? Does your love extend to those around you, family friend and foe alike?
In Galatians we read,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22,23.
The apostle Paul defined what Christian love is when he wrote,
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.
Jesus said,
"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" Matthew 7:12
So Do you follow the teachings of Jesus and the apostles?
Are you showing the fruit of the Spirit and attributes of Love as the apostle Paul laid out? Are you obeying the words of Jesus recorded in Matthew 7:12
Please think about it.
Faith the Christian and the poor
In the book of Deuteronomy we read,
"If there is among you anyone in need, a member of your community in any of your towns within the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted towards your needy neighbor… Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, ‘Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land." Deuteronomy 15:7, 11.
In the book of James we read,
"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.
If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James2:14-17
This is as clear as it can be. We as believers in God. As believers in Christ Jesus are to do what we can to meet the needs of the poor.
In the book of proverbs we read,
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:8,9.
Also in Proverbs we read,
“Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor
will himself call out and not be answered.”
Are you doing your best to help the poor?
Please think about it
The apostle Paul wrote,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you,
The writer of Hebrews states,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men
and to be holy;
without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
If you claim to be a Christian are you doing your best to live at peace with all people? Are you doing your best with Gods help to live a holy life?
Because if you are not you will not win a soul for Christ.
As Christians we should be known for our love and understanding. People should see our love for God and those around us be they family, friend, or foe.
So I ask the questions again;
Are you doing your best to live at peace with all people.
Are you with Gods help doing your best to live a holy life?
Please think about it.
In the gospel of Luke we read,
"A certain ruler asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone.
You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.''"
"All these I have kept since I was a boy," he said.
When Jesus heard this, he said to him, "You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Luke 18:18-22.
Here is what Jesus is saying here. Live by faith. Do not rely on your earthly wealth. Live by faith expecting God to supply you needs.
In the book of Philippians we read,
"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:19.
Do you believe this. Do you rely on God to supply your needs?
Do you think the pastors and evangelist you support believe this?
Please think about it.
A Pledge
Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others
what you would have others do to you
for this sums up the law and the prophets.”
Matthew 7:12.
Thus as a believer in Christ Jesus,
I pledge...
To Love.
I Pledge...
As far as it depends on me...
To live at peace with all people.
I Pledge...
Never, Never, Never! To attack anyone...
Physically, or verbally.
Even if I vehemently disagree with them in any way.
I Pledge...
Never to demean anyone.
No matter their race, their ethnicity,
their religion, or their lifestyle.
I Pledge...
As far as humanly possible,
To uphold the dignity of all whom I come in contact with.
I Pledge...
To obey the words of Christ Jesus who said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have others do to you
for this sums up the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12.
Please don’t just think about it. Do it!
This sums up the law and prophets
Again it comes down to Matthew 7:12
"So in everything, do to others
what you would have them do to you,
for this sums up the Law and the Prophets"
Matthew 7:12.
I think this is of primary importance to all Christians. We must remember that we need to treat others the same way we would wish to be treated. For if we do this it will lead us to win souls for Christ.
Are you doing this?
Please think about it.
The apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians defines Christian love as,
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy,
it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil
but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love."
If you consider yourself a Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus. Is this the kind of Love you show to those around you?
Please think about it.
Refrain from Judging
Jesus said,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
“For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
An important element of Christian life is never to judge anyone other than for our personal protection, (physical and spiritual). We as believers in Christ must refrain from Judging others especially those outside the church.
Additionally we should never judge an individual with respect to where they will spend eternity. That is God's purview.
We as mere mortals do not have all the facts. We do not know why a person is the way they are. Only God knows that. That’s why we must show love and not judge in anyway toward those around us.
That being said, I believe Christians can judge other Christians but only to see that they are teaching sound doctrine. The apostle Paul stating,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside.
“Expel the wicked man from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
Sadly within the church today too many people calling themselves Christians are judging people they disagree with outside the church.
The late American evangelist Billy Graham once said,
It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict,
God's job to judge
and my job to love,
Billy Graham
At the same those within the church are failing to judge whether or not, those calling themselves Christian leaders are truly teaching the word of God correctly.
No soul will ever be won for Christ by judging those outside the church. Those people will simply turn away and not listen.
At the same time men and women professing to be Christians will also turn many away from Christ. While at the same time leading believers away with half truths and misinterpretations of the gospel message.
Thus we as believers in Christ Jesus have two choices.
1/ To avoid judging those outside of the church except for our personal physical protection.
2/ ensure that the pastors, evangelist, and Christian teachers you listen to are presenting the word of God correctly
Please think about it.
Look at it this way
Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.
Think of it this way
If you are
demonstrating against anyone.
You are telling them
they can demonstrate against you.
If you are
speaking out and trying to restrict the rights of others
given to them by the lawfully elected government.
You are telling others
they can try to restrict your rights.
If you are
imposing your morals however good they may be on others.
You are telling them
they can impose their morals on you,
even if they are not as good as yours.
If you are
trying to impose your faith on others
rather than presenting your faith.
You are telling others
they can impose their faith on you.
If you are
judging others.
You are telling others
they can judge you in the same way.
If you
are telling the world you are a Christian
You should be telling the world
I love you as God loves you,...
unconditionally.
Please think about it.
A note for the 21st Century Church
"Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:11,12.
Think about this...
• Never Voted.
• Never Protested.
• Never judged anyone outside their own faith.
Yet they within a century they had spread the Good News of the Love of Jesus Christ throughout the known world.
They did so by,
• Presenting the Love of God to their family friends and foe alike.
• Showing Love and Mercy to all those they came in contact with.
• Living as far as possible at peace with those around them.
The disciples put into action the words of the Apostle Paul who wrote,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18.
And the words of the writer of Hebrews,
“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14.
Above all they put into action the words of Jesus who said,
"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" Matthew 7:12
Please think about it.
“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable:
“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.
I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14.
I believe the Christian life is about being humble before God and before our fellow man.
The apostle Paul tells us,
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:5-8.
In the book of James we read,
"Humble yourselves before the Lord,
and he will lift you up."
Humility will win more souls for Christ than arrogance and self-righteousness will every time.
Please think about it.
In everything
The apostle Paul writes,
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone Colossians 4:5,6.
Sometimes I think Christians forget about wisdom, especially here in North America. They are too focussed on getting things their way. On protecting their rights.
They spend their time complaining that the duly elected secular government is giving rights to people they object too. Then when a group pushes back they complain even more loudly. This should not be so.
As Christians we should be asking for Gods wisdom in reaching the world around us. We should be engaging those we disagree with, in a positive none condemning way. We should remember the words of Jesus who gave us a bench mark to follow when dealing with others, when he said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets” Matthew 7:12.
When dealing with those outside our faith, we should be asking ourselves; would I like to be treated the way I treated that person?
Thus my question is: Do you, in everything, you do, do to others what you would have them do to you?
Please think about it.
The apostle Paul wrote,
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14.
Is the above a description of what you do? When people look at your life do they see compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love?
Do you forgive others any wrongs they have done to you in the way the Lord did you? Do you forgive others unconditionally which is the way God forgave you?
Take a little time to pray and ask God to show you if you are truly doing what the apostle Paul is telling believers in Jesus to do.
Please think about it.
Just as your Father
Jesus said,
"Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
Mercy according to the Oxford dictionary is "compassion or forgiveness shown towards an enemy or offender in one's power."
Throughout my years in church work I have heard from various individuals that I shouldn’t associate with “certain people” because they are sinners. Those individuals were WRONG. And were sinners themselves. They were sinners because they judged others. Jesus saying,
Judge not, that you be not Judged
"For with the judgement you pronounce you will be judged with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2
Paul writing to the romans stating,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23.
Matthews Gospel records,
“While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.
When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the "sinners" and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: "Why does he eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners'?"
On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Mark 2:15-17.
Jesus is the ultimate doctor. Healing the soul. His call is,
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30.
Jesus associated with everyone irrespective of who they were or their status in society. And we are called to do as he did.
If we don’t take to Gospel message to the world who will?
Billy Graham the late American evangelist said,
"It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict,
God's job to judge
and my job to love,"
Billy Graham.
It is our job as Christians. As believers in Christ Jesus to present the gospel to all people without judging them. Jesus saying,
"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20.
The only way we can do this is showing love and mercy to those around us.
Please think about it.
The apostle Paul wrote,
Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
Honour one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal,
but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with God's people who are in need.
Bless those who persecute you;
bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice;
mourn with those who mourn.
Live in harmony with one another.
Do not be proud,
but be willing to associate with people of low position.
Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you,
live at peace with everyone.
If you consider yourself a Christian do people without you mentioning anything to them see what the apostle Paul is saying here in your life?
Please think about it.
Telling others about God
Jesus said,
"You are the light of the world.
A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.
Instead they put it on its stand,
and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before men,
that they may see your good deeds
and praise your Father in heaven."
This is a fundamental scripture for all who believe in Christ Jesus.
1/ We are the light of the world.
2/ We are a city on a hill.
3/ we are to let our light shine before men.
We are to let out light shine that they may see our good deeds and praise God.
So my question to you if you claim to be a Christian is what are your words and deeds telling others about God?
Please think about it.
The Psalmist writes,
"I will extol the LORD at all times;
his praise will always be on my lips.
My soul will boast in the LORD;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the LORD with me;
let us exalt his name together."
If you consider yourself a Christian do you extol the LORD at all times? Do you praise God enough during the day, during the week? Do you even praise the Lord during the day?
Why don’t you take just a few moments now and give praise to the Lord?
Please think about it.
