The world is a place of many interactions and that could determine our impact on others. Each day presents us with a chance to meet our needs and those of our loved ones. We can choose to see beyond ourselves, and become part of a story in someone else’s chapter; as a character who adds a particular flair. Sadly, we tend to look for our material benefit as a gauge on whether we can help others, or the accolades we might receive. There’s no telling if our good deeds will get us some fame, awards, or benefit us directly. When there’s a need, glory should be of no relevance.
“A giving heart acts in concert with God’s kindness.”
“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly ( Matthew 6).
These are Christ’s own Words. When the Lord speaks there’s a lot of wisdom to be mulled over. We are to consider carefully how we give to those in need, by checking first our motives. A giving heart acts in concert with God’s kindness.
Those who give with a good conscience, are aware that The Father sees their heart, more than the deed. They express what God desires for those in need. By doing God’s will on Earth as it is in Heaven, they will therefore be rewarded by God. They take their instructions from the headquarters above, and not from man; with no pressure to please man. Since, spiritual things are hidden things, they must be honored as such. The works of the Kingdom should not be degraded by self glorification.
“As long as there’s a need, help is needed.”
5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building (1 Corinthians 3).
Giving doesn’t just have to be tangible things. We can avail ourselves by offering a helping hand. Every good cause was an idea by someone, but it needs to move from being an idea to an action. Man isn’t an island. Goals can be achieved more efficiently, by enlisting the help of others. As long as there’s a need, help is needed. There’s no need to compete or take scores, or feel as if asking for help would rob one of the glory, as the inventor of the idea. Many hands make light work, and all have equal importance, in order to achieve a common outcome.
We are God’s fellow workers―we are God’s instruments or tools, in His Hands to get things done. We can appreciate the acumen, skills, and values others’ bring into the team; to be more effective, by learning from each other. Each one’s attitude and determination will be their reward, without trying to outshine others.
“Help is an inconvenience that brings relief to another.”
Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. 9 And Moses said to Joshua, “Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.” 10 So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13 So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword (Exodus:17).
How long are we willing to help others who are fighting for their lives, before we give up? Some situations that people are faced with need a lot of support from others. There are some battles that can’t be fought alone; they are exhausting, and emotionally draining. Having prayed and lifted up our hands to God, we may feel like we have lost the energy or faith to continue praying. This is where godly relationships come in; to help carry burdens on our behalf to God, in prayer, until we all see God bring things to pass.
Sometimes we may be saddled with so many tasks to complete in one day. Those who are willing to take on one task to ease our load a little, will enable us to make it to the end of the day. Lighten another’s load, though it may cost you time or money. Help is an inconvenience that brings relief to another.
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6).
“We are God-sent helpers to lighten a burden and help win battles.”
Let us do good to all and not lose steam, while we do. We may think, “Well, I don’t get so much as a ‘Thank you’.” Scripture tells us that no labor is in vain. The workman will receive according to his or her work. There will be harvest whether in this life or eternity. By doing good, we may not receive gratitude, but as was said earlier, by our Lord “The Father Who sees in secret, will reward you.” Rewards may come in different forms; tangible or spiritual gains. Have you learned by your giving, to be thankful, content, or less closefisted? Good. That’s a value no money can buy.
As we draw a breath, every day is an opportunity to see a need, and act. We don’t have to wait for big needs. Every little act of kindness, is a treasure set aside for us as a reward in Heaven. We don’t have to be the inventors of good gestures, nor do we have to be concerned about others noticing. Don’t pass up the opportunity for pettiness. We are God-sent helpers to lighten a burden and help win battles.
17 Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon. 18 Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet was beside me (Nehemiah 4).
1 Timothy 5:8 “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever”.
Fathers need to provide for their wives, kids and relatives, because by not doing so, they are denying their faith, and are worse than an unbeliever. Roles should motivate us to meet certain goals. Faith is a strong belief in values that shape our character. The head of the household in most cases is the father, and is taxed with the role of being a provider. To execute his duties, the father must make this his priority, as a matter of conviction. He can’t profess to be a believer in God The Father, if he fails to meet his obligation as a father in his own home. Fathers are accountable to God for how they manage the home.
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband ( Ephesians 5:25-33)”
“Faith is a strong belief in values that shape our character.”
When a man gets married, he becomes one with his wife, as they form a union (Mark 10). It’s a commandment to maintain this unity. It’s the role of a husband to honor his wife, and the role of the wife, to submit to and respect her husband. This is the only way to keep unity and peace in the family. By so doing, they become better at supporting each other; by looking out for the best interest of the other.
Each playing their role as best as they can, enables the other to meet the needs of the family. It’s a rewarding stewardship that keeps the family together. None is greater than the other, and none is better; each compliments the other. When husbands and wives are unified by love, prayers are not hindered. God works in unity and not division. Just as God the Father, Son and The Holy Spirit are equal in Power and Purpose . As Scripture says, a house divided against itself will not stand (Matthew 12:25).
7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered (1 Peter 3).
“God works in unity and not division.”
I believe that husbands should treat their wives, the way they want their daughter to be treated by the man they will eventually marry. This sets an example for the daughter to see what sort of man she would want to marry in the future: as well for the son, as to the kind of man he wants to be. Be a good example to your children because you are the man of the house; a man of great influence.
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you (Exodus 20:12).”
Teach the children, using godly principles, to respect and honor the parents. It’s important for children to honor their parents by being respectful, and doing what is asked of them—their life depends on it.
Mothers comfort your children because that is the role that you are supposed to uphold; for God also comforts us. Mothers are to nurture their children with compassion and love. They connect with children in the emotional way that fathers may not be wired to. They are the shoulder to cry on, when children are fearful, have failed and are filled with uncertainty. A mother nourishes with delicious spread and covers with the warmth of compassion.
12 For thus says the Lord: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. Then you shall feed; on her sides shall you be carried, and be dandled on her knees. 13 As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. (Isaiah 66:12-13)”
My roles in life include being a brother, a son, a student, and a Christian. I hold these roles with very high regard, and try to do really well in my responsibilities. What about you? What’s your role? How would you describe yourself? How do you uphold the roles that you have, in your family? Take the time to reflect on this and how better you can serve your loved ones.
We all like receiving gifts and sometimes, even enjoy giving them. It costs the giver so as to benefit the receiver. We may remember the best gift we ever received. It spoke volumes of the love, sacrifice and effort that was packed into it. Much as we receive gifts that may not be to our liking, we should try not to look a gift horse in the mouth. The giver put us in consideration: they actually thought about us; they gave up something, to try and put a smile on our face or to just show that they cared. Whatever the gift, it has a purpose. Parents give gifts to their children more than anyone I know. They know what the child likes, or what they need. They give what they believe are good gifts, how much more our Heavenly Father?
“Gifts express the loving kindness of the giver.”
11 If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him (Luke 11)!”
The Lord Jesus is saying that we are not perfect people, yet we know how to give good gifts. We know how to listen to the needs of our child and meet them precisely. We are careless with whether we do good or evil, but when it comes to giving our children, we are diligent to do well. But, how much more the Heavenly Father Who is perfect— will give to His children? The Gift of God has everything to do with His perfect Character, not so with us. God doesn’t just give any gift, but that of His Bosom, that best defines Him, His Holy Spirit.
“The Gift that unravels a wealth of treasure.”
We may ask of anything of The Father, but those who want the best ask Him for The Holy Spirit. Like a child sitting on the lap of their father, wants to learn and hear more of his traits. He will give, as the Scripture states, He won’t begrudge Him. Just as a gift connects us with the giver; we are reminded of them, The Holy Spirit is the constant presence of God. Gifts express the loving kindness of the giver. Why the Holy Spirit? Why not riches, health, or honor?
9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God ( 1 Corinthians 2).
There’s a place of great unsearchable things that is exclusive to those who love God. Hidden treasures, the deep things of God, that no philosophers, scholars, or wise in the world can decipher or interpret, that are confided to a few. The Holy Spirit opens their eyes, ears and hearts to understand—mysteries beyond the beginning of time. We are not talking about writings on the thinking of great men or women, of their times. No. We are looking into the deep things of the Creator of all things Heaven, Earth and beneath. If this isn’t awe inspiring, I don’t know what else is! The Gift that unravels a wealth of treasure.
22 He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him. 23 “I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of You. For You have made known to us the king’s demand (Daniel 2).”
“It is a great source of joy and hope. “
Is this not the same Spirit in Daniel, revealing King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream? When no other magicians, astrologers or Chaldean could tell the King his dream and interpretation, it was revealed to Daniel. The king had promised to kill all his wise men, if the dream wasn’t explained. Daniel and his companions prayed and asked God to show it to Daniel. When Daniel told the King, he and his friends were promoted in the King’s office.
Having insider information always puts people at an advantage. They can make a move before others do, and they can protect themselves from impeding harm. Knowledge is power, as they say. Wisdom is knowledge applied with understanding. But real knowledge must be true. Truth is unchanging in the face of circumstances, cultures and events. It is a great source of joy and hope. The Gift of God reveals truth and gives peace.
25 “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14).”
There are gifts that have a short-lived purpose, and there are those that are enduring. There are also those that are limited to where they can be used. Multi-purpose things tend to be more dependable, last I checked. The Holy Spirit is a Person, He is sent in The Name, Jesus. He teaches all things, and is the peace of Christ within us, in a world of shifting sands. He dwells in those who ask of Him, and He orders their steps. Since the creation, He has always been the invisible presence of God in mankind, and the visible presence of God in Christ Jesus.
11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God ( 1 Corinthians 2).
“The Gift that keeps on giving.”
Indeed gifts are free. If we only knew the things freely given to us by God. No doubt the things belonging exclusively to God, revealed to mortal man, are extremely profound.
12 Who is the man that fears the Lord? Him shall He teach in the way He chooses. 13 He himself shall dwell in prosperity, and his descendants shall inherit the earth. 14 The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant (Psalm 25).
Who has known the mind of God? His seasons and power? None. But, we have a mandate on how to make the Gift of The Holy Spirit indispensable. As I said earlier, every gift has a purpose. This should be our response: to walk in Him and not in our flesh; by allowing Him to express Himself through us. But also as it’s a blessing to receive, it’s a greater blessing to give. What is our perfect gift to others? To witness and profess the power of the truth in the gospel by enlisting the help of The Gift that keeps on giving: The Helper, The Comforter, The Spirit of Truth, and The Power from High.
6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (Acts 1)”
It takes all sorts to make the world; different backgrounds, personalities, and opinions can create an environment of disagreements. It’s not just a difference of opinion, but we are also pitted against people with different abilities and ambitions. It’s a dog eat dog world out there. Sometimes to get ahead, we may have to first run the gauntlet of those who don’t want to see us succeed. Opposition is part of life. How do we overcome it?
“Consider the other’s betterment before your own.”
6 Now the land was not able to support them, that they might dwell together, for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together. 7 And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. The Canaanites and the Perizzites then dwelt in the land.8 So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren. 9 Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left. ( Genesis 13)”
Seek a peaceful resolution, one that has a mutual benefit. Consider the other’s betterment before yours. Sometimes, we can claim we are entitled to the first dibs, because we have a high opinion of ourselves. Possessions can become a big bone of contention. We may often feel discontented with just having the basics. Wanting the lion’s share , while leaving crumbs for others, isn’t just selfish but also demeaning.
Abraham and Lot’s livestock had increased and it led to conflict between their herdsmen. Abraham understood land or possessions should not drive a wedge between family members. He chose to give Lot preference over himself. He humbled himself and didn’t choose the best for himself. Our attitude towards others, is usually exposed when we have to give up something. It turns out that Lot winded up in Sodom-later destroyed by God, and Abraham in Canaan—the promised land.
“Show kindness with a good will.”
3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others (Philippians 2).
Lowliness of mind doesn’t make us less important. It’s an approach that puts the needs of others in first consideration. We can still meet the needs of the other, while we benefit from the compromise. It’s not selfish to look out for our interest, but it should not be at the expense or loss of someone else. Show kindness with a good will. Humility that looks out for the interests of others, is the balm needed to ease tension.
12 Let the Lord judge between you and me, and let the Lord avenge me on you. But my hand shall not be against you. 13 As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Wickedness proceeds from the wicked.’ But my hand shall not be against you. 14 After whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom do you pursue? A dead dog? A flea? (1 Samuel 24)
Let’s not be instruments of wickedness to destroy another, but let the Lord be the Judge of our motivation. Whatever the opposition or conflict, we have to do wisely as David—spare life and not destroy it. There has to be a glaring difference between us and our opponent; difference in methods, and intended outcome. We should keep our hands clean, by doing what is right in God’s sight. We let God deal the full justice, because He is no respecter of persons. In contrast, we tend to be biased by our feelings, rage, and hurt. He has more intelligence on what the other side’s intentions were, whether good or bad. God only acts and responds on behalf of righteousness.
He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too strong for me.18 They confronted me on the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my support. 19 He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me. 20 The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands. He has recompensed me. 21 For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God (Psalms 18).
“Let kindness be the final play.”
Our current station in this life, is independent of the harm that befalls others. The fall of others doesn’t increase our chances of advancement nor does it add or take away from our lives. We have no control of any moment we take a breath, so we should never believe that we hold the future of others in our hands. There’s no benefit in wishing anyone ill. We are only custodians of what God has given us, and we will only get what He has portioned for us—independent of what He doles out for someone else.
With that in mind, it’s pragmatic to believe that hoping for the best for those we don’t see eye to eye with, will not lop off our blessings. We aren’t losing anything by wishing others well. Our Heavenly Father lets His Sun shine on everyone. Let kindness be the final play.
“Wisdom accommodates others without stifling ourselves.”
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust (Matthew 5).
Let wisdom guide our thinking. There’s no prize for winning conflicts, but there are gains or losses in character that will leave a lasting mark. At bottom, we took the side of good or evil; there’s no middle ground. Wisdom is key to keeping our hands clean, and our conscience right.
Righteousness is a by-product of wisdom. It requires less energy because it’s not bent on self seeking. Wisdom makes us amenable to doing the right thing for the sake of peace. Wisdom accommodates others without stifling ourselves. It benefits both parties, and ushers in peace. God’s wisdom is for those whose hearts are in the right place. God’s wisdom which is activated by righteousness, is the best strategy to overcome conflict.
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace (James 3).
Our past failures and shortcomings can be an impediment to being considered useful, relevant or even worth a second chance. Have you been disqualified because you failed miserably in your past? All the good we can do, can be trumped by one wrong decision, failed attempts, or poor choices. Maybe, we are our worst critics, sizing ourselves up by our limitations. We believe that others see us through our own lens, as a nonentity. So, we weasel out of being part of anything significant.
“By our own imperfect standards we judge ourselves.”
10 Then Moses said to the Lord, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” 11 So the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the LORD? 12 Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.” 13 But he said, “O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send. (Exodus 4)”
We live in a world where people expect better of us, than they do themselves. What qualifies an imperfect person to qualify another? By our own imperfect standards we judge ourselves. We need to stop allowing low self-esteem, and other’s opinions of our past failures and weaknesses to define us. All our lives have meaning; they should not be summed up by critics who want to write the end of our story.
“The only gold standard is God’s standard.”
4 Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand (Romans 14).
It’s vital that we acknowledge our current position in this race of life. If we have failed those we care about, we must first admit that. It’s not so much about meeting people’s standards, because they have no perfect ones for themselves, either. The only gold standard is God’s standard. So what’s the best starting point? Repentance. Until we see how far we have fallen short of God’s will, we can’t seek true reconciliation with others. We will need to stand on neutral ground where we take our focus off ourselves and others, and go prostrate to God for mercy. Only, He is perfect and is the best gauge to measure by.
‘Return, backsliding Israel,’ says the Lord; ‘I will not cause My anger to fall on you. For I am merciful,’ says the LORD;‘ I will not remain angry forever. 13 Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against the LORD your God. And have scattered your charms, to alien deities under every green tree, and you have not obeyed My voice,’ says the LORD (Jeremiah 3:12-13).
“While others see failure, God sees victors.”
Once we receive God’s mercy, we are justified to go forward. Moving on will require that we make things right with others. They may not think we are deserving of their mercy. Yet, we are in good standing, because we have been made right with God.
7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” 8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham (Luke 19)”.
God has great purpose for those who aren’t accepted by others, and those who believe they aren’t good enough. He’s in the business of restoring the broken, and making them useful for His purpose. While others see failure, God sees victors.
9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy (1 Peter 2).
Those who understand how weak they are, don’t depend on their abilities. They are pliable in God’s hands. They are humbled by how much they are wanting and are fully dependent on Him. They have more zeal to live up to their calling, because they have been considered.
9 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 11 Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed (1 Corinthians 15).
From Abraham, Moses, Gideon, David, Jeremiah, Jonah to Paul, these have had the greatest impact on generations, because they depended entirely on God, and still with great opposition. They lacked the world’s qualifications to turn their world upside down. What are your dis-qualifiers? You are in good company, for greater purpose.
6 For the Lord has called you,like a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, like a youthful wife when you were refused,” says your God. 7 “For a mere moment I have forsaken you. But with great mercies I will gather you. 8 With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment; But with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,” says the Lord, your Redeemer (Isaiah 54).
So much information has been shared about how to better ourselves in books, seminars, workshops and the like, but we still feel like we keep coming up short, why? Because within ourselves we lack the discipline, instruction, the right motivations, and the consistency needed to be at our best. Yet, our best may not be appealing to others—we can’t win. So what should drive us to be better?
7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. (Romans 14).
“Living at our best is living to please The Lord.”
In terms of being healthy, these bodies weren’t meant to last. But what we are in them has a lasting impact on us and others, regardless of limitations. Since this life is not our own, for us who have surrendered to the Lord, we live out our greatest potential daily— as children of God. That requires a resemblance to Him. The potential to do so, is power that is given to us. Nothing consequential can be achieved apart from His guidance and our obedience. I suppose upstanding adults are a product of good parenting. I might even posit that good parenting has no lasting impact on a rebellious child. Living at our best is living to please The Lord. This is the motivation that disciplines us to be consistent, no matter how others react.
Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh, 20 that they may walk in My statutes and keep My judgments and do them; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God (Ezekiel 11:19-20).
Pleasing God requires an inner transformation, a new heart and the spirit to compel it to be passionate about the things God is passionate about—His Commandments. We need the Spirit of God to live through us, by not being obstinate and unyielding.
“Disobedience is a hallmark of an unbridled heart.”
7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you will hear His voice,8Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion. On the day of trial in the wilderness.9 Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me,and saw My works forty years.10 Therefore I was angry with that generation,and said, ‘They always go astray in their heart,and they have not known My ways.’ 11 So I swore in My wrath,‘They shall not enter My rest.’ ” 12 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God (Hebrews 3).
As the Lord Jesus Christ was born of the Holy Spirit, we are to abide in the Spirit. He never sinned because He was fully Spirit, and yet fully man. Just as He was one with the Father, we can only be one with Him by His Spirit. To live as we are called to live, we must allow the Spirit of Christ to sanctify us for obedience. Obedience is putting an august performance, orchestrated by the Holy Spirit. Disobedience is a hallmark of an unbridled heart.
24 Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us (1 John 3).
We can get bogged down and discouraged to do the right thing because we don’t get the reaction we expect from others. Doing better should not be about how others receive us, but giving God honor. If our motivation to do the right thing, is what others will think, we will be the most miserable. Feel good about keeping in step with the Holy Spirit and not acting on fleshly emotions, or lusts.
This is winning the day; abiding in Him. The most effective and strategic way to love the Lord your God with all your being, and love your neighbor as yourself is putting off the things of the flesh.
“Obedience is putting an august performance, orchestrated by the Holy Spirit.”
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another (Galatians 5).
This is true liberty; not confined to law. Letting the Holy Spirit express His person and nature is living free, justified, and righteous. What could exceed such perfection, of walking in the Spirit? Why are we so downcast? So what, we don’t get the response from others we were hoping for? We are in freedom, we are living life as is intended.
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8).
It feels great to be in God’s good graces. So we love God more, and love others better, that’s it! We have done really well! What about shedding those extra pounds? That’s exciting, but life is not just physical short-lived milestones, but enduring values that are sustainable. What we need is to be fruitful in virtues that will edify us and others, by love.
5 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, 6 to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, 7 to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble (2 Peter:1).
Being better everyday we draw a breath, is being more fruitful in godliness. We need the Holy Spirit to express Himself and we do so by reading the Word of God and walking in it. We do well to heed, we do better to act. “Holy Spirit quicken us to obedience, that we may strive to please God in everything.” Let it be said of us, that we lived this life for our Creator, and His Glory. Then, it would be said of us “Well done!” One ingredient is required more than the other as John the Baptist recognized, “Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease (John 3).”
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