Where are You Focusing

Let me ask you a simple question:

Is a world view in line with or opposed to a Godly view?

If you believe that the worldy view is opposed to a Godly view, you would be in line with the writers of the scriptures. For you see, this world is driven by man's self interest, greed, comfort and success. God's view is driven by the peaceful, humble and loving servants heart, where ALL can live in harmonious concert with one another, lifting praises only to Him.

Through mans choices, we have influenced the state of this world, and in doing so have allowed evil, greed and selfishness to blur our vision of what God intended as a paradise for mankind to live. Each day we must make choices on how we are going to live, and each day we must reach beyond the desires of this world to grab ahold of something much greater.

We are all in this together. It is not a church thing, a religious thing, an atheist, Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish or Christian thing. We are all guilty of destroying the peace and love that God had intended for us to live within, and it is not a 21st century thing. In thousands of years we have not changed. Anger, deceit, lust, pride and greed have flowed through out blood for that entire time.

But, you can make a change today and tomorrow. Focus on loving mankind, praising God the Father and seeking His will and purpose. In doing so we begin to close the chasm and push back the evil in this world.

"You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud, but shows favor to the humble.” " James 4:4-6

It's not About You

The self interest that is within each of us drives our decisions, our reactions and our choices in any given situation. It's inherent in our human nature to want the best for ourselves and our families and in most cases we are willing to go to battle for those things when confronted. 

We need to take a look at the bigger picture though. Just because we believe something is best for our family, doesn't mean that it is. We have limited knowledge and as such we are constrained in our ability to see what may ultimately come from these decisions. Who might get hurt, what dynamics around us are impacted because of decisions we make? 

God is all-knowing and all-seeing. He alone has a perspective that can see the end before the beginning. What we must learn to do is rely on His knowledge, wisdom and guidance; and put aside our own desires and interests. 

God is not a Santa Claus though and just because we want something doesn't mean it will come to pass. He alone knows what is good and righteous and kingdom building. We are often found taking the blessings provided by God and using them to satisfy our own needs without expanding His kingdom at all. 

Can you imagine that if everyone who prayed to win the LOTTO actually won. The payout would be only slightly more than the cost of the ticket. God's hand is not in the LOTTO drawing. God is into blessing those that will share that blessing with others, and become a stronger servant as a result of doing so. 

Few men have this characteristic, mind you, and often those that do are quiet in the shadows, unknown to you and I. A braggart is doing nothing but trying to draw attention to themselves. Focus on going to the Lord with sincerity in your heart and asking to be blessed, that you might share that blessing with others, all the while giving Him the glory.

" What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." James 4:1-3

A little Compassion Please

When the opportunity comes to put your own personal interests above those of others, might I recommend that you ask yourself how you might make the situation favor others first.
This doesn't mean roll over and be complacent, it means see it from their perspective, and realize that you can make someone else's life better. It's actually a position of authority by improving the situation for them.
Most of us focus on a given situation as if it's the end of the world, when in reality it is just a fleeting moment in time. This life is a series of experiences, situations, wins and losses. That is what builds your character and your reaction to each one will define your legacy.
As for me, my desire is to leave a legacy that has positively influenced other individuals lives. Whether I agree with them on every detail is irrelevant. The goal is to help them become stronger in their walk through life.
You have more influence in your situational choices than simply making yourself proud for reducing others in the process. Look for opportunities to lift them up and I promise, in the long run, you will come out the victor. Play for the grand finally, not the momentary sparklers along the way.
"For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." James 3:16-17

Words do hurt

Everywhere you go in this world your words will follow. Little ears hear everything that is said. Take a moment and think about those that you have influenced (good or bad) with the words that have come from your mouth. As I think of this, I shudder realizing the example I have been to my children and wife. For this I ask forgiveness and a clean start.

 

Remember when we were little and they said, "Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words can never hurt you." They lied. Words hurt, and you can't put them back in your mouth once they have been spoken, much like you can't put the toothpaste back into the tube.

Think before you speak. Use the incredible brain and cognitive reasoning that the Lord has given you to control what you say. Let words of love, encouragement, humility and peace be upon your lips this day.

"All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be." James 3:7-10

Faith Isn't Enough

So many believe that simply having faith in Jesus Christ is sufficient for fulfilling your purpose on this earth. I question the sincerity of that person's belief then.]

For if a person has actually committed their life to Jesus as Savior and Lord, than the desire to serve as Jesus served compells them. He is the Lord and our purpose is to love and serve others as He did, for He alone set the example of what is pleasing to the Lord.

Therefore claiming faith in Jesus without the intent to love, serve and help others is an empty vessel floating through time and space. For the days you have numbered on this earth, serve others in the manner by which He has called you to serve, forgoing all excuses, for nothing is beyond His ability to work through you.

"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? ... In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:14,17

A Perspective on Death – Richard Palmer

 

Why do we automatically believe someone has gone to heaven when they die?

 Are we of the belief that everyone who does good here on earth is automatically granted access to eternal peace with God the Father?

Boldly, someone will live their life denying the deity of Jesus Christ, yet in our desire for comfort and peace, we convince ourselves that because they did good things that God will accept them anyway.

That is completely against what the Bible teaches.  Don’t get me wrong, I mourn and am saddened when we lose those superstars or loved ones; just as the rest of you are.  In this mourning I often find myself saddened and uncertain about their eternal life rather than believe that they have automatically passed into heaven.

I believe that an individual must have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord in order to enter into eternal peace with God Almighty.  Those who profess that Jesus is a prophet of Allah and not the Son of God have denied the very root of my belief.  I am saddened not just by their death from this life, but from the choices they have made about their eternal life.

I know this is strictly based on my beliefs as a Christian, and many will argue and say that I am close minded and unfit to judge someone’s eternal well-being.  You are correct, I am close minded with a belief that is rooted in the Bible, the Holy Word of God Almighty.  You are also correct in that I am not in any position to judge someone’s eternal destiny, but based on the scriptures, John 3:36, Jesus tells us; “He that believeth on the Son will have everlasting life, and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

So, to claim I am a Christian means that I will follow the teachings of Jesus Christ and repent for those things I do that are against His teachings.  You see we are all sinners.  Every day, hundreds of times a day, we are living outside of Jesus will.  But, based on the faith and commitment that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Lord of Lords, we are given the opportunity to repent of our sins and thereby be forgiven.  By the grace of God’s love, we can know that we are forgiven.  Because Jesus Christ atoned for our sins on that cross, and in rising from the grave, overcame death and now sits by the Father’s right hand as our advocate and redemption. 

Our good works on this earth are a result of our faith and belief in Jesus Christ, not in an attempt to earn His love and forgiveness.  There are no amount of good works that we can do in this lifetime to offset the sins we have committed against the Father.  Jesus Christ’ death and resurrection was the price paid for our salvation, and without it we are destined to eternal life separated from God in His perfect heaven.

It is certainly appropriate to celebrate the good things a person has done in their life to help fellow mankind.  I, like you, am grateful for the goodness that comes from their works in this life, but I still mourn for their death when I know they believe something other than the truth from the scriptures.  Our society has tried to create a comfortable view of eternity that is not scripture based.  A view where God loves everybody and therefore He would never condemn someone to eternal Hell.  This is not scripture based at all.  The first part is true.  God loves everybody exactly the same.  You, me, our families, our friends and enemies.  But, His requirement for redemption to enter into eternal peace cannot be altered to accommodate our desires.  He has given you and I complete free will to choose our path.  That path is to accept Jesus Christ and to abide in His plan of salvation or not to.  It’s truly that simple.  We complicate it and try to bend the rules so everyone can fit into the plan, but based on the scriptures, that is not how it will work.

I pray that you will get right with God’s plan for salvation.  My Christian belief is built on a narrow path, and does not accept a belief in Muhammed, Buddha, Ghandi, Goddess Earth or good works to get into heaven.  It is in my love for you that I am sharing my faith in this manner, not to condemn you or criticize you or ridicule your beliefs.  I would be remiss though if I did not at least come forward with my faith so that you might have the opportunity to reconsider yours.

Please read the 3^rd book of John and seriously contemplate where you stand in relationship to what it says.  Be blessed in your journey my friends.