DO YOUR ACTIONS MATCH YOUR CONFESSION?
DO YOUR ACTION MATCH YOUR CONFESSION?
INDEX:
-BALANCING THE NATURAL AND THE SPIRITUAL
-TRULY SPIRITUAL IS NATRUALLY FUNCTIONAL
HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE
A SERVANT'S HEART AND DEPENDABILITY
INTEGRITY
ALERTNESS AND SENSITIVITY
DO WE HELP EVERY HURTING PERSON WE SEE?
SELF DISCIPLINE
-OVERVIEW
-THE TRAP OF FALSE SPIRITUALITY
-CONCLUSION
BALANCING THE NATURAL AND THE SPIRITUAL
"...First the Natural, and then the Spiritual" 1 Corinthians 15:46
THE SPIRITUAL IMPORTANCE OF THE NATRUAL LIFE
The Balance of the two-legged walk between the natural and the spiritual.
As spiritual beings expressing ourselves in a natural universe it is imperative that there is a proper coordination between our spiritual efforts and our natural responsibilities. If there is not a harmony between these, the fruit of our behavior, to say the least, can compromise the God given expectations for a wholesome life. On the other side of the scale, it will either confirm or negate our confession of faith. Comparing with a natural diet, if something is missing in our diet, or if we are eating too much of one thing, even though we might be full we may still feel unsatisfied and be inclined to eat something more and thereby open the door for excess and /or consequential health issues. Having a healthy balance in a spiritual walk is the same.
Proper balance is so utterly critical. The expression that people use, "He is so heavenly minded that he is no earthly good" can be a valid point. When a person takes up the cross to follow Jesus, the real impact and effect on the world around him or her should be similar to their Master's. It will or should affect and impact every aspect of our life in this world for the good. Unfortunately there are times when, while pursuing our faith in Christ, that we can tend to despise natural activities thinking they are irrelevant and unimportant compared to the 'eternal' things of God, and in many instances they possibly are. However, we may be surprised at just how important these "Natural" activities are critical for people even to a spiritual level. Allow me to give some personal examples of what I mean.
One winter Sunday morning before the service at the church where I was being "Groomed" for ministry, the pastor told me to go out and shovel the sidewalk. Well it was pre-service prayer, and I read Charles Finney's memoirs who said that we should not miss a prayer meeting for almost anything, which is right in many instances, so I was really angry. I went out grumbling and begrudgingly to shovel the snow. Soon afterwards a young fellow (about my age) comes walking along and we struck up a conversation. By the end I led him to the Lord and he became a serious believer. I learned a valuable lesson there about being presumptuous of what the will of the Lord is for the moment. On a further note regarding the serious practicality of shoveling off the snow. One Sunday morning I noticed one of the pregnant mothers trying to make her way through the icy sidewalk without falling. Right then I realized how important shoveling the sidewalks were, and felt a serious twinge of guilt. Pretty spiritual, hey!?
On another occasion some time prior, I had been angry at the pastor because I felt that he had been dedicating too much time working around the church building and not going out and preaching the Gospel as I thought he should. I too was living at the church and was suppose to be taking care of much of the maintenance of the building (which I wasn't), so as to free him up somewhat. Then an opportunity to insulate the roof of the building presented itself, and we being a small congregation in the Yukon could not refuse it. The pastor, who was a carpenter by trade, led the project. In rebellion, I refused to help. Looking back, I actually thought I was being more spiritual than the pastor by doing something else as a supposed public service (which completely flopped). Our thinking can be so crooked. We can actually convince ourself that we are serving the Lord when we are only really walking in the flesh, ignorance, presumption, or rebellion. Can you see the fruit of the Holy Spirit in my actions and attitude? Looking back it makes me sick. When it was all over, the Lord told me that I missed a work of faith. It was a huge undertaking and was blessed of the Lord.
Now for a perspective from the other side, one winter Friday evening a friend of mine, Mark, and I were out on the street talking to people about Jesus. On the sidewalk we saw a young woman passed out on the snow. Mark wanted to go over and help her. I did not want to, figuring someone else would, and we had to be cautious being two males and all. He went over reached out his had and lifted her up. He found out where she lived and we drove her home. Her family was so thankful and he got to tell them about Jesus. I was being what I thought reasonably cautious, but he was being led of the Lord. The natural thinking on my part was practical for our self concern (though mine was unkind), but Mark's 'spiritual' thinking was also practical, kind, helpful, and had eternal benefits. He told me afterwards that as he reached down to help her up, he said he felt that his hand was like the hand of Jesus reaching out to her. I realize that it was.
TRULY SPIRITUAL IS NATURALLY FUNCTIONAL
As we turn to Jesus we typically begin to pray, read our Bible, go to church, and even tell others about Him, and likely with great enthusiasm and spontaneity. But what about our daily activities, how do we behave in our day to day lives?
HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE
From His youth while preparing for the matchless task of literally 'SAVING THE WORLD', Jesus still had to take out the garbage, go to school, learn His father's trade, be obedient to His parents, carry out the duties of the Jewish religion, live and move among His family and society as everyone else, but note, "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Luke 2:52, We do not see an entitled, irresponsible, undependable life as He was growing up just because He was Super Special and on the greatest mission of all time which only He was qualified to do, "Did you not know I had to be in My Father's house (about My Father's business)?" Luke 2:49 "Behold, the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the World." John 1:29. In fact, His obedience and submission in what may seem to be insignificant to the magnitude of His calling, was crucial to the qualification for His sacrifice. Had He sinned in even these 'Little' things it would have made His sacrifice unacceptable. "...but was in all points tempted as we, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15
As Jesus disciples and 'spiritual people', are we faithful to our duties and responsibilities, or are we too spiritual to be depended on to pick up a hammer and help out, or to stoop to menial chores? I have seen leaders watch the attitude of upcoming young minister want-to-be's (myself for one) by giving them unspiritual chores like cleaning the church bathrooms and washing the floors. Did not Jesus demonstrate the significance of humility and servant-hood when He performed the duty of a servant by stooping down and washing His disciples' feet? John13:1-16. "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...He humbled Himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:6-8 NIV
INDEX:
-BALANCING THE NATURAL AND THE SPIRITUAL
-TRULY SPIRITUAL IS NATRUALLY FUNCTIONAL
HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE
A SERVANT'S HEART AND DEPENDABILITY
INTEGRITY
ALERTNESS AND SENSITIVITY
DO WE HELP EVERY HURTING PERSON WE SEE?
SELF DISCIPLINE
-OVERVIEW
-THE TRAP OF FALSE SPIRITUALITY
-CONCLUSION
BALANCING THE NATURAL AND THE SPIRITUAL
"...First the Natural, and then the Spiritual" 1 Corinthians 15:46
THE SPIRITUAL IMPORTANCE OF THE NATRUAL LIFE
The Balance of the two-legged walk between the natural and the spiritual.
As spiritual beings expressing ourselves in a natural universe it is imperative that there is a proper coordination between our spiritual efforts and our natural responsibilities. If there is not a harmony between these, the fruit of our behavior, to say the least, can compromise the God given expectations for a wholesome life. On the other side of the scale, it will either confirm or negate our confession of faith. Comparing with a natural diet, if something is missing in our diet, or if we are eating too much of one thing, even though we might be full we may still feel unsatisfied and be inclined to eat something more and thereby open the door for excess and /or consequential health issues. Having a healthy balance in a spiritual walk is the same.
Proper balance is so utterly critical. The expression that people use, "He is so heavenly minded that he is no earthly good" can be a valid point. When a person takes up the cross to follow Jesus, the real impact and effect on the world around him or her should be similar to their Master's. It will or should affect and impact every aspect of our life in this world for the good. Unfortunately there are times when, while pursuing our faith in Christ, that we can tend to despise natural activities thinking they are irrelevant and unimportant compared to the 'eternal' things of God, and in many instances they possibly are. However, we may be surprised at just how important these "Natural" activities are critical for people even to a spiritual level. Allow me to give some personal examples of what I mean.
One winter Sunday morning before the service at the church where I was being "Groomed" for ministry, the pastor told me to go out and shovel the sidewalk. Well it was pre-service prayer, and I read Charles Finney's memoirs who said that we should not miss a prayer meeting for almost anything, which is right in many instances, so I was really angry. I went out grumbling and begrudgingly to shovel the snow. Soon afterwards a young fellow (about my age) comes walking along and we struck up a conversation. By the end I led him to the Lord and he became a serious believer. I learned a valuable lesson there about being presumptuous of what the will of the Lord is for the moment. On a further note regarding the serious practicality of shoveling off the snow. One Sunday morning I noticed one of the pregnant mothers trying to make her way through the icy sidewalk without falling. Right then I realized how important shoveling the sidewalks were, and felt a serious twinge of guilt. Pretty spiritual, hey!?
On another occasion some time prior, I had been angry at the pastor because I felt that he had been dedicating too much time working around the church building and not going out and preaching the Gospel as I thought he should. I too was living at the church and was suppose to be taking care of much of the maintenance of the building (which I wasn't), so as to free him up somewhat. Then an opportunity to insulate the roof of the building presented itself, and we being a small congregation in the Yukon could not refuse it. The pastor, who was a carpenter by trade, led the project. In rebellion, I refused to help. Looking back, I actually thought I was being more spiritual than the pastor by doing something else as a supposed public service (which completely flopped). Our thinking can be so crooked. We can actually convince ourself that we are serving the Lord when we are only really walking in the flesh, ignorance, presumption, or rebellion. Can you see the fruit of the Holy Spirit in my actions and attitude? Looking back it makes me sick. When it was all over, the Lord told me that I missed a work of faith. It was a huge undertaking and was blessed of the Lord.
Now for a perspective from the other side, one winter Friday evening a friend of mine, Mark, and I were out on the street talking to people about Jesus. On the sidewalk we saw a young woman passed out on the snow. Mark wanted to go over and help her. I did not want to, figuring someone else would, and we had to be cautious being two males and all. He went over reached out his had and lifted her up. He found out where she lived and we drove her home. Her family was so thankful and he got to tell them about Jesus. I was being what I thought reasonably cautious, but he was being led of the Lord. The natural thinking on my part was practical for our self concern (though mine was unkind), but Mark's 'spiritual' thinking was also practical, kind, helpful, and had eternal benefits. He told me afterwards that as he reached down to help her up, he said he felt that his hand was like the hand of Jesus reaching out to her. I realize that it was.
TRULY SPIRITUAL IS NATURALLY FUNCTIONAL
As we turn to Jesus we typically begin to pray, read our Bible, go to church, and even tell others about Him, and likely with great enthusiasm and spontaneity. But what about our daily activities, how do we behave in our day to day lives?
HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE
From His youth while preparing for the matchless task of literally 'SAVING THE WORLD', Jesus still had to take out the garbage, go to school, learn His father's trade, be obedient to His parents, carry out the duties of the Jewish religion, live and move among His family and society as everyone else, but note, "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Luke 2:52, We do not see an entitled, irresponsible, undependable life as He was growing up just because He was Super Special and on the greatest mission of all time which only He was qualified to do, "Did you not know I had to be in My Father's house (about My Father's business)?" Luke 2:49 "Behold, the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the World." John 1:29. In fact, His obedience and submission in what may seem to be insignificant to the magnitude of His calling, was crucial to the qualification for His sacrifice. Had He sinned in even these 'Little' things it would have made His sacrifice unacceptable. "...but was in all points tempted as we, yet without sin." Hebrews 4:15
As Jesus disciples and 'spiritual people', are we faithful to our duties and responsibilities, or are we too spiritual to be depended on to pick up a hammer and help out, or to stoop to menial chores? I have seen leaders watch the attitude of upcoming young minister want-to-be's (myself for one) by giving them unspiritual chores like cleaning the church bathrooms and washing the floors. Did not Jesus demonstrate the significance of humility and servant-hood when He performed the duty of a servant by stooping down and washing His disciples' feet? John13:1-16. "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...He humbled Himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:6-8 NIV
A SERVANT'S HEART AND DEPENDABILITY
- An excellent example of a servant and dependability was Joseph. Though betrayed by his brothers into slavery, as a slave he served his master so diligently and faithfully that his master, Potiphar (Genesis 39:6), needed not concern himself with any of the responsibilities that he had entrusted to him, and the Lord blessed Potiphar's house because of him. What this indicates is that Joseph did all that he did in the fear of the Lord and as unto the Lord. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men...it is the Lord Christ you are serving..." Colossians 3:23-24. But let us look further into this amazing Christ-like attitude which he demonstrated when in prison for an accusation of which he was completely innocent. While 'doing his time' he, none-the-less, took on the 'care' of the other prisoners! How amazing is that! Furthermore, there is no indication that there was anything in it for him. He simply served our of duty, and given a need, he met it. Should we, as professing disciples of Jesus, be any different? Can we be counted on when given a task? Should people have any reason to mistrust our integrity, diligence, obedience, or reliability. Just like Joseph or even Jesus, can we not turn unjust situations for an occasion to help others and glorify our Heavenly Father?
INTEGRITY -
Joseph's integrity was another excellent example of the nature of Christ working within the struggles of life. We must realize the steadfast resistance to temptation that he underwent in more than one area. First of all, he could have easily justified laying low and doing only the minimal for Potiphar because of the injustice of his situation. How did he respond? He put his whole heart and soul into his work, and not just eye service. "Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, and do it not only when their eyes are on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Colossians 3:22 NIV
Secondly, and most obviously, though tempted by His master's wife to commit adultery, he refused in the fear and name of the Lord and fled. This is no light issue. She had pressed him day after day. "...how then can I do this great WICKEDNESS, and sin against God." Genesis 39:9 What are we like when we think no one is looking? What are we like when we feel forced into an unjust situation or pushed to our limit? "There has no temptation taken you by such as is common to man: but God is faithful, Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will, with the temptation, also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 We need to stay so close to Jesus.
ALERTNESS AND SENSITIVITY Jesus left the beautiful illustration of the Good Samaritan to show us the kind of heart that our Heavenly Father desires to see expressed in our lives. The Samaritans were despised by the Jews. Now Jesus drives the point further as He describes how the priest, who was considered the most spiritual member of the society, and the Levite also who was a type of second order priest (much like a pastor and lay minister today) avoided the man who had fallen victim to the thieves. They detached themselves from the suffering of the man for whatever reasons, but no doubt they were valid reasons in their minds. The Samaritan, on the other hand, could not pass by the dying man without helping out. He not only dressed his wounds, took him to the safety of the Inn and cared for him, but he took on the full responsibility for the care of man by paying the Inn keeper to finish caring for him. Luke 10:25-37 God does not expect us to do more than we are able, but He does expect us to do what we can. The apostle Paul wrote this beautiful commendation about Timothy, his understudy. " I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone else looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ." Philippians 2:20-21. NIV
Jesus' heart is our welfare, and as professing disciples of His, should our heart be any different? Notice that God our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ Himself were not detached from our plight and suffering, but stepped into the world and intervened at the price of His own suffering and death John 3:16. He thereby left us an example to follow in His footsteps. By the way, the shortest verse in the Bible is, "Jesus wept." John 11:35
DO WE HELP EVERY HURTING AND NEEDY PERSON WE SEE?
As previously mentioned, we do what we can, where and when we can. Notice that the good Samaritan had to leave the wounded man and was not able to tend to him further. Also, Jesus did not obviously heal everyone that He saw. In Acts 3, Peter and John, while going into the Temple healed (or the Lord through them) the lame man. It is mentioned that he was laid daily at the gate to beg for alms. Little doubt he was there when Jesus was, and yet Jesus did not heal him. Jesus said that He only does what He sees the Father do. John 5:19 His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
SELF DISCIPLINE - Another quality that we as Christians need to submit to is self-discipline. It is actually one of the fruits of the Spirit Galatians 5:23.
"Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No , I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prise." 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 NIV..."And every man that strives for the masteries is temperate in all things." 1 Corinthians 9:25 KJ
A disciple of Jesus Christ must not live a hap-hazard, out of controlled, or undisciplined life. As mentioned above, God has imparted His Holy Spirit to help us with even this area of our lives. Being careless and undisciplined in war can cost lives, especially your own, and in the realm of our spiritual battle it is no different. Laziness, the allowances of little indulgences, and an unbridled temperament can be far more harmful than we realize. Little doubt that all of us can testify to this in some area of our lives. It is a constant work and challenge, but absolutely necessary. Do not take lightly the rebukes, complaints, or criticisms of others, it my be the Lord using them to give you a 'heads-up'. Always be ready to receive correction, instruction, as well as work on weak areas of your life. Paul told Timothy,
"Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you." 1 Timothy 4:16 When things are going well we may be presumptuous that nothing needs changing or adjusting, and when things do not go well may be a bad time to find out. We need to be pro active before the Lord in monitoring all our behaviors and ways.
SOME EXTRA VERSES TO THINK ABOUT
"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among your disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies..." 1 Thessalonians 3:10-11
"Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into the reproach and snare of the devil." 1 Timothy 2:7
"But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."1 Timothy 5:8 "And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful." Titus 3:14
OVERVIEW
An irresponsible and undisciplined lifestyle not only does not bring glory to God, but also works against the grace that Jesus provided for us through the cross. We can be faithful church goers, but do we pay our debts if we have any? "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much..." Luke 16:10 Do we pay our bills on time? Can people trust our word? What is our speech like? Do our business deals reflect the Character of Jesus Christ? Do our conversations and language reflect godly character? Do we heartlessly walk by someone in need where we can take a moment to give a helping hand? Do we withhold money or a possession that we can easily part with which will give immediately relief to someone in need? Do we have time for those closest to us, our spouse, our children, our parents? Is the pursuit of our own personal interests our dominating priority and investments? What do we do that shows genuine concern for the welfare of those around us? Life is not a game. We are not here merely for our own interests and comforts, all of which may be fine as long as we do not neglect the cares and needs of our world around us.
How is our integrity in our work ethics, entertainment, sports, school, private life? If our faith and professed love for God does not reflect Christ in all these areas and whatever else not mentioned here, what can be said about our walk with Jesus? How truly spiritual are we? How are we earthly good?
THE TRAP OF FALSE SPIRITUALITY
- An excellent example of a servant and dependability was Joseph. Though betrayed by his brothers into slavery, as a slave he served his master so diligently and faithfully that his master, Potiphar (Genesis 39:6), needed not concern himself with any of the responsibilities that he had entrusted to him, and the Lord blessed Potiphar's house because of him. What this indicates is that Joseph did all that he did in the fear of the Lord and as unto the Lord. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for men...it is the Lord Christ you are serving..." Colossians 3:23-24. But let us look further into this amazing Christ-like attitude which he demonstrated when in prison for an accusation of which he was completely innocent. While 'doing his time' he, none-the-less, took on the 'care' of the other prisoners! How amazing is that! Furthermore, there is no indication that there was anything in it for him. He simply served our of duty, and given a need, he met it. Should we, as professing disciples of Jesus, be any different? Can we be counted on when given a task? Should people have any reason to mistrust our integrity, diligence, obedience, or reliability. Just like Joseph or even Jesus, can we not turn unjust situations for an occasion to help others and glorify our Heavenly Father?
INTEGRITY -
Joseph's integrity was another excellent example of the nature of Christ working within the struggles of life. We must realize the steadfast resistance to temptation that he underwent in more than one area. First of all, he could have easily justified laying low and doing only the minimal for Potiphar because of the injustice of his situation. How did he respond? He put his whole heart and soul into his work, and not just eye service. "Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, and do it not only when their eyes are on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Colossians 3:22 NIV
Secondly, and most obviously, though tempted by His master's wife to commit adultery, he refused in the fear and name of the Lord and fled. This is no light issue. She had pressed him day after day. "...how then can I do this great WICKEDNESS, and sin against God." Genesis 39:9 What are we like when we think no one is looking? What are we like when we feel forced into an unjust situation or pushed to our limit? "There has no temptation taken you by such as is common to man: but God is faithful, Who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will, with the temptation, also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 We need to stay so close to Jesus.
ALERTNESS AND SENSITIVITY Jesus left the beautiful illustration of the Good Samaritan to show us the kind of heart that our Heavenly Father desires to see expressed in our lives. The Samaritans were despised by the Jews. Now Jesus drives the point further as He describes how the priest, who was considered the most spiritual member of the society, and the Levite also who was a type of second order priest (much like a pastor and lay minister today) avoided the man who had fallen victim to the thieves. They detached themselves from the suffering of the man for whatever reasons, but no doubt they were valid reasons in their minds. The Samaritan, on the other hand, could not pass by the dying man without helping out. He not only dressed his wounds, took him to the safety of the Inn and cared for him, but he took on the full responsibility for the care of man by paying the Inn keeper to finish caring for him. Luke 10:25-37 God does not expect us to do more than we are able, but He does expect us to do what we can. The apostle Paul wrote this beautiful commendation about Timothy, his understudy. " I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone else looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ." Philippians 2:20-21. NIV
Jesus' heart is our welfare, and as professing disciples of His, should our heart be any different? Notice that God our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ Himself were not detached from our plight and suffering, but stepped into the world and intervened at the price of His own suffering and death John 3:16. He thereby left us an example to follow in His footsteps. By the way, the shortest verse in the Bible is, "Jesus wept." John 11:35
DO WE HELP EVERY HURTING AND NEEDY PERSON WE SEE?
As previously mentioned, we do what we can, where and when we can. Notice that the good Samaritan had to leave the wounded man and was not able to tend to him further. Also, Jesus did not obviously heal everyone that He saw. In Acts 3, Peter and John, while going into the Temple healed (or the Lord through them) the lame man. It is mentioned that he was laid daily at the gate to beg for alms. Little doubt he was there when Jesus was, and yet Jesus did not heal him. Jesus said that He only does what He sees the Father do. John 5:19 His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
SELF DISCIPLINE - Another quality that we as Christians need to submit to is self-discipline. It is actually one of the fruits of the Spirit Galatians 5:23.
"Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No , I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prise." 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 NIV..."And every man that strives for the masteries is temperate in all things." 1 Corinthians 9:25 KJ
A disciple of Jesus Christ must not live a hap-hazard, out of controlled, or undisciplined life. As mentioned above, God has imparted His Holy Spirit to help us with even this area of our lives. Being careless and undisciplined in war can cost lives, especially your own, and in the realm of our spiritual battle it is no different. Laziness, the allowances of little indulgences, and an unbridled temperament can be far more harmful than we realize. Little doubt that all of us can testify to this in some area of our lives. It is a constant work and challenge, but absolutely necessary. Do not take lightly the rebukes, complaints, or criticisms of others, it my be the Lord using them to give you a 'heads-up'. Always be ready to receive correction, instruction, as well as work on weak areas of your life. Paul told Timothy,
"Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you." 1 Timothy 4:16 When things are going well we may be presumptuous that nothing needs changing or adjusting, and when things do not go well may be a bad time to find out. We need to be pro active before the Lord in monitoring all our behaviors and ways.
SOME EXTRA VERSES TO THINK ABOUT
"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among your disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies..." 1 Thessalonians 3:10-11
"Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into the reproach and snare of the devil." 1 Timothy 2:7
"But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."1 Timothy 5:8 "And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful." Titus 3:14
OVERVIEW
An irresponsible and undisciplined lifestyle not only does not bring glory to God, but also works against the grace that Jesus provided for us through the cross. We can be faithful church goers, but do we pay our debts if we have any? "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much..." Luke 16:10 Do we pay our bills on time? Can people trust our word? What is our speech like? Do our business deals reflect the Character of Jesus Christ? Do our conversations and language reflect godly character? Do we heartlessly walk by someone in need where we can take a moment to give a helping hand? Do we withhold money or a possession that we can easily part with which will give immediately relief to someone in need? Do we have time for those closest to us, our spouse, our children, our parents? Is the pursuit of our own personal interests our dominating priority and investments? What do we do that shows genuine concern for the welfare of those around us? Life is not a game. We are not here merely for our own interests and comforts, all of which may be fine as long as we do not neglect the cares and needs of our world around us.
How is our integrity in our work ethics, entertainment, sports, school, private life? If our faith and professed love for God does not reflect Christ in all these areas and whatever else not mentioned here, what can be said about our walk with Jesus? How truly spiritual are we? How are we earthly good?
THE TRAP OF FALSE SPIRITUALITY
- A tendency that people can fall into when they discover the, or a 'spiritual' life (there are many types of so called spiritual lives) is that they may fall into the trap of despising routines, schedules, regular responsibilities, traditions, and disciplines of various kinds. There is a safety in keeping to these, and our natural man ( the physical) functions best having a "healthy" blend of routines, responsibilities, and disciplines in our day to day lives, and God has designed it to be so. "The sun rises...Man goes forth unto his work, and to his labour until the evening. O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom have you made them all... Psalm 104:22-24. The truly spiritual man flows easily into these. I cannot get into some of the more critical safety aspects of this topic, but please be warned that God had given us them for our wellbeing. Our righteousness or right standing with God is not based on these things, rather they are there for our practical benefit.
CONCLUSION
Being birthed into the Kingdom of God opens us up to an entirely new and amazing realm, but does not negate us from the chores and responsibilities of daily life. The truly spiritual man or woman should be the most worldly good. Just look at Jesus. His life matched His confession.
CONCLUSION
Being birthed into the Kingdom of God opens us up to an entirely new and amazing realm, but does not negate us from the chores and responsibilities of daily life. The truly spiritual man or woman should be the most worldly good. Just look at Jesus. His life matched His confession.
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