Keeping the Royal Law

 Keeping the Royal Law

In the book of James we read,

"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbour as yourself," you are doing right."James 2:8.

Are you doing right? 

Are you loving your neighbour as yourself?

I firmly believe it is the duty of a true believer in Christ Jesus to love those around them in the same way Jesus did, unconditionally.

Jesus when asked,

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 

Jesus replied: " ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'  

This is the first and greatest commandment. 

And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'  

All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." Matthew 22:36-40.

So are you loving your neighbour as yourself?

Please think about it.

About your attitude

  About Your Attitude

In the book of Philippians we read,

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. 

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 2:3-8.

Why do you do what you do?

Many people do what they do out of selfish ambition. They do things for the glory it gives them. They like waving and saying “look at me! Look how important I am!” All they are looking out for is themselves.

A true leader knows how to lift up those who are under him or her.  A good leader is in affect the servant of those under them.

This is especially so in the Church. Leaders need to look to the interests of those they are interacting with. As the apostle Paul states,

“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.

Do you humble yourself, considering others better than yourself?

Please think about it.

Where does your help come from?

   Where does your help come from?

The Psalmist writes,

"I lift up my eyes to the hills— 

where does my help come from? 

My help comes from the LORD, 

the Maker of heaven and earth." 

                                               Psalm 121:1,2.

Where does your help come from? Do you rely on your wealth? Your family and friends? Your government? Your Lawyer? Your doctor?

While all of these things can help us. Ultimately all of them will fail us eventually. Ultimately we will find we need God.

It is to God we need to be turning every day of our lives. Thanking Him for life and what we have. 

Please think about it.

Watch out for the interest of others

  Watch out for others

In the book of Philippians  we read,

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 

And being found in human form he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross." Philippians 2:3-18 (ESV).

Are you humble?

Do you count others more significant than yourself?

Do you lookout for not only the interest of yourself but of others too?

Here in the book of Philippians we read that if we are following the teachings and example of Jesus, we should be watching out for the interest of others as well as are own.

So do you watch out for the interest of others?

       Please think about it.

Remember this

  Remember this

"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

Put this way it means;

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 on others

however good they may be.

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 Jesus loves you,...

unconditionally.

Please think about it.

Are you

  Are you?

The apostle Paul writes,

“Love must be sincere. 

Hate what is evil; 

cling to what is good.  

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. 

Honour one another above yourselves.” 

                                                          Romans 12:9,10.

Here is another must for Christians for those who believe in Christ Jesus. 

1/ Our love must be sincere at all times.

2/We must hate evil in all its forms. 

3/We must cling to what is good.

4/We must be devoted to one another in brotherly love.

5/We must honour others above ourselves.

Perhaps a sixth point would be to pray and ask God to show us what is good and what is evil, because it seems to me that Christians at times fail to see what is right and wrong.

Never has this been more important that in 2023. We have seen last year, in both North America and around the world evil rise. Not only that evil is rising under the guise of doing right. 

As I looked at the so called freedom convoy here in Canada and the make America great again in the United States. I see people who espouse to be Christian, fooled into thinking what these groups are doing is right.

But are they. 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 about this. Do you honestly believe that those involved with the freedom convoy or make America great again would allow others to protest against them?

Do you honestly believe that those people who want to take away the right to same sex marriage, a right given them by a duly elected secular government would bow down and accept their rights being taken away.

When Jesus made the statement,

"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.

He didn’t say you had to always agree with the people around you. What He made clear was treat other people the way you wish to be treated.

So are you doing this?

Are these things active in your life?

1/ Sincere love at all times.

2/ hating evil in all its forms. 

3/Cling to what is good.

4/Devoted to one another in brotherly love.

5/Honouring others above ourselves.

Please think about it.

Presenting the Gospel Message

  Presenting the Gospel Message

The apostle Paul wrote,

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, 

live at peace with everyone." 

                                                           Romans 12:18.

If you call yourself a Christians. A true believer in Christ Jesus do you live in peace with those around you?

I believe there is a very good reason to live in peace with those around us. It’s easier to present the gospel message.

If we are constantly finding fault with those around us. If we are constantly criticizing the government for the laws they pass that don’t infringe on our rights as believers, we will not win souls for Christ.

Living in peace particularly in a free democracy allows us to sit down with and present our beliefs with those who don’t hold the same beliefs. This in turn can and often does win souls for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

The apostle gave us one such example when he was in Athens. Acts 17:17-34 records how Paul presented the gospel. He didn’t say anything negative about his audiences beliefs, or about the temple to the numerous gods. Instead he picked up on the fact the Athenians had a temple to an unknown god. Then using this starting point he presented the Gospel of Christ Jesus.

The result some sneered, some believed, and importantly some wanted to here more. 

This is how we should be. We should live in peace with those around us and use any opportunity God brings our way to present the Gospel of Christ.

Are you doing this?

Please think about it.

Jesus said this

 Jesus said this

Jesus said this,

"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

Put this way in the year 2021 this means;

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 on others

however good they may be.

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 Jesus loves you,...

unconditionally.

Please think about it

a Prostitutes faith

 A Prostitute's faith

In the book of Hebrews we read,

"By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days. 

       By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient." Hebrews 11:30,31

There, are only four woman other than Mary, the mother of Christ mentioned in the genealogy of Christ in Matthew.  The woman are, Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Uriah’s wife. Neither are Jewish by birth, and one is a prostitute.

We hear constantly about the great leaders, Abraham, Moses, Jacob, Peter, Paul, John and the others.  But there are other “little people” who are just as important.

Rahab was a prostitute in Jericho who seen the Israelites coming and feared God.

She believed what she had heard.  She believed and acted on her beliefs.

She clearly seen the power of God, and at the risk of her own life to hid the spies sent to Jericho by Joshua.

As a result, she was a recipient of the blessing given to Abram by God in 

Genesis 12:3 when it states:

“I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you;  and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:3

If we consider what happened to Rahab after the fall of Jericho, she was truly a recipient of God’s blessing.  Her great grandson would be king David.  Twenty-eight generations from David was the Messiah.  The Saviour of the world.

From her lineage came the greatest blessing God could bestow on mankind.

Rahab is an example to us all.  She shows that God will and does use anyone He pleases irrespective of gender or profession.  All they have to do is believe and act on their faith.

No one remembers the leaders of Jericho, but the lowly prostitute Rahab is remembered in the very opening words of the New Testament.  Her faith is remembered in the book of Hebrews amid the mention of great men of God.

She is remembered with great men such as Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephathah, David, Samuel and the prophets.  All who acted on their faith.

The lesson to be learned here is that:

1, God is the God of all people

2, no one is exempt from the salvation He offers

3, He will use anyone, including you.

All God wants from us is faith.  Hebrews 11:6 states:

“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Please think about it.

Look out

   Look out

"Let each of you look not only to your own interests, 

but also to the interests of others."

                                                                  Philippians 2:4.

I live in Canada and since the pandemic hit I have heard many Christians say, “I’m not taking the vaccine that’s my right.”.

And it is there right. In Canada everyone has the freedom to choose to do as they wish. 

Christians however have a duty to those around them to look out for the interest of others. And if that means taking a safe vaccine so be it.

The pandemic and vaccine aside. Christians have a duty to those around them the help those in need. Especially those brothers and sisters in the church.

So, especially if you live in one of the worlds true democracies, are you looking out for those around you?

Please think about it.

Who are you relying on?

 Who are you relying on?

The Psalmist writes,

"I lift up my eyes to the hills— 

where does my help come from? 

My help comes from the LORD,

 the Maker of heaven and earth.”

                                                   Psalm 121:1,2.

If you consider yourself a Christian. A follower of Christ Jesus, where does your help come from? Are you sure you are truly relying on the Lord, The Maker of heaven and earth?

In Psalm twenty we are reminded,

"Some trust in chariots

 and some in horses, 

but we trust in the name of the LORD our God." 

                                                                            Psalm 20:7.

It is so easy for a person to slip from relying on The Lord to relying of our material possessions. Quite often we do it without even realizing it.

So I ask you again, if you truly believe you are a Christian, a follower of Christ Jesus; Are you relying on God or something else?

Please think about it.

Are you

  Are 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." Hebrews 12:14.

The Apostle Peter who wrote,

"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.

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.

I know we are all human, make mistakes and fall short of what God wants for our lives. That being said however, if we are truly followers of Christ Jesus we should be at least trying to make the above scriptures active in our daily lives.

Thus my questions to you. 

Are you trying to live at peace with all those around you? 

Are you trying to live a holy life? 

Are you doing your best to abstain from sinful desires? 

Are you living a good life? Above all are you treating those around you in the same way your would have them treat you?

Please think about it.

So

  So

The apostle Peter writes,

“Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.” 1 peter 2:16  

In the book of James we read,

“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  

because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement!” James 2:12,13.

Jesus said,

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”  Luke 6:37.

As Christians especially here in the democracies of the west we have great freedom to do as we wish. That being said the scriptures make it clear that we have limitations on our actions as Christians. Foremost is that we have no right to judge anyone. Especially those outside our faith. Not only that we are called to show mercy to those around us.

The bottom line however comes down to 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.

So in your dealings with others, especially those who do not believe as you believe or have a lifestyle different from yours do you

     “Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.” Luke 6:31?

Please think about it.

That covers a lot

  That covers a lot

The apostle Peter wrote,

“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

This is something Christians particularly in North America don’t completely understand. They live in democracies that offer freedoms many in the world could only dream of.

Sadly many calling themselves Christians use that freedom wrongly.

The apostle Paul wrote,

“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13.

What is the sinful nature Paul is talking about here. I believe it’s disobeying the worlds of Jesus. 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.

That covers a lot. 

I believe this means we must alway show unconditional love to all we come in contact with even if we disagree with them in any way. For it is only in showing unconditional love to those around us that we will win souls for Christ.

Please think about it.

The interests of others

  The interests of others.

The apostle Paul writes,

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4.

It is said that a crisis brings out both the best in people and the worst in people. The covid crisis we are in I believe is proving this especially here in North America where I live.

Many calling themselves Christians are out there shouting “I have my rights!” “I have the right to not wear a mask!” “I have the right to meet without socially distancing.”

Yes an individuals rights are enshrined in both the American and Canadian constitutions. That being said, if we as Christians are worshipping our rights over God there’s a problem.

When we demand our rights at the cost of the rights of others to stay safe or free from covid for instance that is wrong.

The apostle Paul tells us,

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4.

That means that despite having rights, we at times must put the interests of others ahead of our own. If that means wearing something as simple as a mask or social distancing so be it. If that means we have to worship in small groups or over zoom as inconvenient as it may be we should be doing so.

As long as we don’t loose the right to worship then we must be willing temporarily at least, to give up our rights.

As Christians we must always put the rights of others ahead of our own. And that’s not me speaking. That is what the apostle Paul himself tells us.

So what is more important to you, your rights or the interests of others?

Please think about it  

Whom do you trust?

  Whom do you trust?

The Psalmist writes,

"I love you, O LORD, my strength. 

The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; 

my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. 

He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, 

my stronghold." 

                             Psalm 18:1,2

In Psalm 20 we read,

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, 

but we trust in the name of the LORD our God” 

                                                              Psalm 20:7.

Where I your trust? Do you trust in your own power or in God’s power? It is a question we must all answer.

So I ask you whom do you truly trust in the good times and in the bad times, is it in God or something else?

Please think about it.

Something Jesus said

 Something Jesus said

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

Put this way in the year 2021 this means;

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 on others

however good they may be.

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 Jesus loves you,...

unconditionally.

Please think about it

You and others

 You and others

Jesus said,

"Do to others as you would have them do to you. 

"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners' love those who love them.  

And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners' do that.  

And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even ‘sinners' lend to ‘sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full.  

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked." Luke 6:31-35.

One question; Are you doing what Jesus is telling us to do here?

Please think about it.

Peace

 Peace

The apostle Paul writes,

"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, 

live at peace with everyone."

                                                                       Romans 12:18.

The apostle Paul understood that in order to win souls for Christ you need to be at peace with those around you. If you are constantly arguing and fighting with those of other faiths and lifestyles you will never win a soul for Christ.

Tony Campolo the American evangelist wrote,

"These issues are biblical issues: to care for the sick, to feed the hungry, to stand up for the oppressed. I contend that if the evangelical community became more biblical, everything would change." Tony Campolo.

He’s right if we care for the sick, feed the hungry and stand up for the oppressed even if they have different views from us, things would change.

Sadly many Christians in North America are known for what they are against rather than what they are for. This should never be so.

In all our interactions with people around us, family, friend, or foe, we should always look to 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.

No other gods

 No other Gods

In the book of Exodus we read,

And God spoke all these words: 

"I am the LORD your God, 

who brought you out of Egypt, 

out of the land of slavery. 

"You shall have no other gods before me. 

                                                       Exodus 20:1-3

What constitutes a god in the twenty-first century. The way I see it is a god is anything you put ahead of The Lord God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

The one big thing I see more so in the United States than in Canada is their constitutional rights. The constitution of the United States give each individual certain rights. Which is a good thing. The trouble comes when an individual puts their rights ahead of what God tells us to do in the scriptures.

We don’t see the guarantee of individual rights in the Bible. In the bible we read,

"Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Philippians 2:4.

We are called to look to the interest of others. Which means even if we have certain rights guaranteed by the laws of the country in which we live, we have an obligation to God and our fellow man to put others interests above ourselves.

Do you?

Please think about it.