Safetypinlove

Christianity isn’t a “Certificate of Goodness” we can hang on the wall for all to admire. It’s not a document to proudly point to and exclaim, “Look what I’ve achieved!” Rather, it’s a confession of our desperate need for a Savior, and a testimony to what Jesus has done in our life. Every human being has a “God-shaped hole in their heart that they attempt to fill with worldly things. But it’s a need that only the Lord can satisfy. Or as Philippians 4:19 reminds us, “And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

The beautiful thing about our relationship with God is that He knows exactly who we’ve been in the past…and what we’ve gone through…and still He calls us into who we can be through Him. For it’s only us that look back on our sin-reigning life and say, “No way.” But if we stop and consider the Apostle Paul’s words, we are new creations… our old, obsolete self is exchanged for a brand-new one. (II Corinthians 5:17) And as Colossians 3:9 tells us, we are then transformed and renewed into God’s image…and well equipped to become what God desires of us.

It’s not that across the Bible God doesn’t make it crystal clear that which He hates. We see it in the Ten Commandments, in the Psalms, and in Proverbs for a few places. God hates lies and falsehood… adultery, stealing, and idolatry…haughty eyes, hands that shed innocent blood, and someone that sows discord among the brothers. So if it’s something unrighteous, it’s a pretty safe bet that God hates it…and we should too…for we can’t love the world and God at the same time… and we know the difference between right and wrong. So Romans 12:9 sums it up well. “Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”

James is showing us that saving faith and good deeds must go hand and hand. Merely claiming to have faith doesn’t mean that the person possesses saving faith. For as he wrote, a faith that isn’t accompanied by appropriate deeds is no faith at all. This type of faith is only an intellectual belief in the existence of God…while true “saving faith” always bears the fruit of the love of God and our neighbor. On the other hand, assuming that “living a good life” is all that’s necessary to get to heaven won’t get us very far either…as is placing our confidence in just performing “good works.” One is called antinomianism, and the other legalism…and both are heresy.

The greatest joy we may receive is often unveiled within the smallest of blessings. Tiny blessings that no one else sees but us. We not only recognize them, but immediately appreciate that God loves us so much that He blesses us with these little heavenly gifts meant only for our eyes. That’s because, true everlasting joy comes directly from our relationship with God…a Divine gift, reflecting His favor and Presence. So when God surprises you with a very intentional blessing, acknowledge that it has come from a loving Heavenly Father Who loves and knows you very well.

We all have lots of thoughts, plans, and intentions. But when God firmly shuts the door on one, we can still trust Him AND admit we’re angry that it didn’t turn out how we wanted. Faith in God doesn’t require that we “pretend” we’re okay with it…God already knows how disappointed we are…so just be honest with Him. Several places in Mark it tells us that when they were all together alone, the disciples would ask Jesus questions, and He would explain all things to them…patiently clarifying and illustrating what He had just taught the crowds. So the next time your plans fall through and you’re disappointed…be honest with God, work through your frustration, and then listen…allowing Him to teach you His perspective, plan and purpose.

The very practical advice of I John 2:15 is clear, “Don’t love the world or the things in the world. If any one loves the world, the love of the Father isn’t in him.” It’s simple then, the world’s system is one of rebellion, pride, and characterized by fleshly desires…while our life hidden in Christ should not take part in any of it. The Apostle John exhorted over and over that Believers don’t belong to the world any more than Jesus did…and even though we live in it, we don’t belong to it. (John 15:19, 17:14-18) So today, take the advice of Paul in his letter to Titus and just say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions. (Titus 2:12) For it’s impossible to live in both.

A Believer shines differently when Jesus is in the center of their heart. When we’re transformed by Jesus, we radiate humility instead of pride…peace instead of panic…hope instead of fear…and love instead of bitterness. I Thessalonians 5:8 reminds us that, “We belong to the day.” Which means we are to live in the light of God, staying spiritually alert, protecting our heart & mind from the darkness, and being self-controlled…not pursing the fading things of the world but rather the Presence of God.

In those Seasons of despair we may feel broken…but in God’s eyes we remain beautiful. Thus, we can bear testimony to the miracle of His grace in the midst of the struggle. And slowly, the fragments of our brokenness will transform into a story of redemption through Him. For although we may feel like a shattered vessel…crushed, and useless… God offers compassion and restoration for our suffering, (Psalm 147:3) and healing for our troubled life. (Psalm 38:8)

It’s only God Who makes it well with our soul… when it’s anything but well with our circumstances. This Scripture in Jeremiah calls us to seek after eternal God-given righteousness in order to obtain peace, security, and spiritual wellbeing under God’s protection. Jesus reiterated on this in Matthew 11:28-30, when He promised that we could find rest in faith through an intimate relationship with Him. Therefore, by embracing His teachings and following His example, we too can experience a profound sense of peace and fulfillment that transcends all worldly troubles.