A Baseline

 A Baseline

The Psalmist states,

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.” Psalm 111: 10.

Anyone who has ever lived needs a reference point for their morality and behaviour. If you truly believe in God you have a solid baseline for your morality.

Abba Hillel Silver at the height of World war two wrote,

"Faith in God is the strongest bulwark of a free society.  Human freedom began when men became conscious that over and above society and nature there is a God who created them...who fashioned them in His likeness, and that they are, therefore, possessed of intrinsic and independent significance and are endowed, as individuals, with original and irrevocable rights and authority." Abba Hillel Silver

As world war two showed when men turn their back on Gods morals millions suffer. 

So here is a question for anyone reading this, be they Christian or not where does your moral baseline come from?

If you claim to be a true believer in Christ Jesus are you morals based on the teachings of Jesus, on the teachings of the Bible.

Please think about it.

Do you take God for granted?

 Do you take God for granted?

Luke’s gospel records,

“Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table.  

When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner." 

Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said. 

"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.  

Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" 

Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said. 

Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.  

You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.  

You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.  

Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." 

Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." Luke 7:36-48.

I have attended church for over forty years. In that time I have seen many who come to church, who have the attitude that they are saved and seemingly take God for granted. I find this especially in those who grew up in the church. They are like the pharisee mentioned in the above scripture.

At the same time I have seen others come to the alter and weep asking for Gods forgiveness, for they know how far from God they were.

I think as believers we from time to time need to truly look at ourselves and ask;

Do I take God for granted?

Do I take my faith for granted?

Am I truly giving to God the reverence, glory, honour and praise God deserves?

Please think about it.