Michael continues: Today’s worldly standard of political correctness says, “I have the right not to be offended by God, God’s Word or God’s people.” The world will trick us to compromise, criticize, condemn, and complain. However, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes unto the Father except by me.” According to John 15, Jesus Christ is the standard. He said, “Unless the branch abides in the vine, the branch cannot bear fruit. I am the vine and you are the branches.”
Outside of Christ, the Christian life is impossible; you cannot follow Jesus and not follow Jesus at the same time. Unless we have the power of Christ in us, we cannot truly forgive the unforgivable and love the unlovable ... not even ourselves. If our love doesn’t carry us above and beyond ourselves, then it’s not the agape love of God.
Oswald Chambers said, “After being born-again in the transforming consecration of the Holy Spirit, I found myself on a mission to abide in Christ in every area of my life ... to bring all thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ as Scripture calls us to. I don’t need to change and arrange my circumstances, because the Lord planted me here and now for a purpose. Jesus found himself in the circumstances where God planted him. He always did His Father’s will. Therefore, seek the Lord while He may be found. In the early stages of a new Christian’s walk, it’s a deliberate effort. Then as we mature, abiding in Him becomes second nature.” God will bless your decision to proceed in the direction He’s given you.”
Ephesians 6:10-14 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm.
As the people of God we have been called to defend the faith, identify evil, expose darkness, and stand against the godless standards of this world. Also, we have been called to be witnesses for Christ and God’s grace, forgiveness, mercy, and compassion; pointing to the foot of the Cross where the fallen are restored to an upright position before their Maker. These are the qualities of the unconditional love of God which is His righteous standard. We cannot love our neighbor in our own power. However we are in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us God’s wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. 1 Peter 1:15-16 instructs us, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” In Christ, we were called to His higher standard ... as Jesus said, “to love one another even as I have loved you.”
God works all things for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. The lyrics to the song, “Is He worthy?”, are appropriate to remember God’s remarkable love wherewith He loved us ... for His love is His natural attribute – God is love. Because He loved us we can love Him. The greatest blessing is that we have the high and holy privilege of loving Him. In blessing Him that we may ever live to the praise of the glory of His grace!
Your brother in Christ, Michael
No comments:
Post a Comment