The Lord's Or The World's Way?

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

                                                                                   (Colossians 2:6-9 KJV)

I have heard often that the government tells us something is good for us and years later I hear that it is not. Some things we are told are bad and later we find out that they are actually good for us.

There are lots of stories about how certain things are good for you and others  things are okay for you to participate in. Some of these stories are akin to fake news. What seems good to the world is not necessarily good. Sometimes those things which are purported to be good are really just out there so someone can make a name for themselves; profit from it; or even justify their own sinful natures.

The voices from the world around us recommending what is good and what is bad come from many directions. They often contradict each other or themselves at a later date. Fortunately, we live in a country where we can make most of the choices for ourselves. It is imperative that as we are being told what is good for us by the world, that we listen to the word of God so that we do not end up doing that which is contrary to the word of God and hurting ourselves and others.

We do have the word of God! Listen to him! As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him!

Gift thanks for we have received a great gift! Give thanks for life in Christ!  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

For your own sake and the sake of others, live in him! Live in His Way!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Christians: Participants or Observers

Live Life! Live as an active member
of the Body of Christ.

This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
    rise from the dead,
    and Christ will shine on you.”

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise,  making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (Eph 5:14 NIV)

There is a huge difference between a member of a team and an observer. A team member takes some risks; now unless you are betting on your favorite team (which is really poor stewardship of what the Lord has provided you with!) fans or observers really don't take any risks. They sit in the stands or on their couches and watch. They watch as others are busy running the race or carrying the ball. Observers do not participate in life. They prefer to stay in lala land; half or fast asleep. In reality, that is what often happens to the person who lies on the couch for hours watching television; they fall asleep. They are dead to the real world around them. They are safe from having to participate; from having to live life.

And, so it is with way too many Christians. They are observers. They may be fans of Jesus. But, they are not members of the team. They are not players. They do not actually participate in the game. They are not members of the team. They are merely bystanders. In reality they are mere observers or fans of Jesus and not members of the team. They are not members of the Body of Christ.  Members work together as a team. They don't sit back and watch the team. They do not sleep when the light is shining upon them. They do not hide in the darkness of their own dreams.

In Christ, we become one Body. But, it seems that some of the parts of the Body are missing in action. Your local congregation misses you. Jesus calls you to worship and serve the Lord as a member of the community of saints.

Members of the Body work and play as a team, with one purpose, because they are one. If you would be a follower of Jesus then get off of the couch, take up your cross, and follow him, participating in a life of worship and service to God and in service to one another. Wake up sleeper, rise from the dead and live life in Christ!

God's Peace - Pr. J