How would it be if Christianity prospered based upon the example you set forth?
Would God’s work get done? Would people set aside their labors, their pleasures and their lives for the love of Christ?
Christ lived and died as an example for those who would follow after him:
John 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
The key to happiness is attentiveness to Christ Jesus, who is the Word of God (John 1:1-2, 14). Happiness does not stem from reading a devotional, prayer, or attending church services. While aspects of labor are good, the root of these aspects must be Christ Jesus:
John 15:4 - Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
If you would know the joy of Christ, realize that this Joy is of a spiritual character and cannot be accomplished in action alone:
Romans 8:8-9
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
Mathew 7:21-23
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
It is not enough to live a nominal form of Christianity but truly Christian living is accomplished by maintaining the Spirit of God and flourishing in the fruit that God deems prosperous (Galatians 5:22-24.)
Without the Spirit of Christ, the work is in vain:
1 Corinthians 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
God is good. God is loving and would have that none would perish. God, is also merciful. However, he expects his children to not be idle but to know his will (Eph. 5:17). If one is not sure what God would have of them, they simply need to ask of God and he will help them to know what his will is for their life (James 1:5-7). Be truthful friend. If you seek God with your whole heart, mind, body and soul – he will help you. Yet be warned, while God will help you to accomplish his will “on earth as it is in heaven” there is another who would help you to accomplish and acquire that which is outside the will of God.
Luke 4:6 And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.
Take heed to God’s word and set your affections on God:
1 John 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Remember Brother and Sister that this is the day that the Lord has made,
God bless and may our fruit bless God
Comments