Are Our Priorities in Order?

If the Lord came at this present moment to take the faithful home, would He take one who has intentionally been putting off doing right? Would He take one who weekly sheds his Christianity as often as he sheds his Sunday clothes? Would He receive the one who has been bored with short periods of worship, has found teaching others a chore, or visiting the sick an imposition? Would He take the one who must be continually prodded into doing what he ought to do?

I'm afraid that many have no idea what it means to serve the Lord. I'm concerned for those who have relegated the Lord to only a small portion of their week. I fear for those who have become so preoccupied with material things that they have neither time nor energy to be concerned about the wretched condition of their souls.

When we decide to serve the Lord, we need to know what is involved. Our obedience to the Lord needs to be without reservation. It must be complete. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:24, "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon."

Matthew 6:33 says, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Colossians 3:2 says, "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." 1 Peter 1:13 says, "Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ..."

What about you? Do you have your priorities in order? Is serving the Lord your main interest? Your honest answer to these questions may very well determine where you will spend eternity.

The Seriousness of Sin

Today, few people take sin seriously. It has become commonplace for comedians to base their jokes and skits on such sins as adultery, homosexuality, drunkenness, and other things which should be taken very seriously by those who desire to go to heaven and escape hell.

Have we, the children of God, heard these types of jokes so much that they have become funny to us? The writer of Proverbs said long ago, "The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, but the folly of fools is deceit. Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is favor" (Proverbs 14:8-9). He's saying that the prudent think seriously about the way they should conduct their lives, and those who joke about sin are fools.

Sin isn't funny; its tragic. It's too deadly to joke about. Sin entered the garden of Eden and separated man from God. Problems, sorrow, suffering, and death often come either directly or indirectly as a result of sin.

The Bible tells us in Romans 6:23, "The wages of sin is death." If sin is a laughing matter, we should be able to laugh at the grave, don't you think? But one has a very twisted sense of humor if he can stand beside an open grave and laugh. To be eternally separated from God in a burning hell just isn't funny. Neither is sin, which is the cause of this just punishment.

Sin is no joke. Let's remember the terrible consequences of sin when we're tempted to smile at it. Remember, sin is a very short word beginning a very long sentence.

What Is Your Chief Concern?

Where is your heart today? Or, perhaps, the question should be "What are you concerned about today?" Are you more concerned about your clothes, car, or home than your neighbors' souls, your children's souls, or your own soul?

Jesus said in Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

The all important question, therefore, is, "Where is my treasure?" Jesus in essence declared; "Don't set your heart on worldly materialism; instead, let your interest be in that which lasts forever."

In Jesus' time, just as in ours, great stress was laid on personal apparel. Jesus was showing that we should not be anxious about something the moths will eventually eat. He said in Matthew 6:28-30, "So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?"

We should never put undue value on clothing, or on any other material or worldly thing. Jesus emphasized that we shouldn't worry about earthly things. "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)

Are you out chasing the advertisers' concept of the great American dream? Or are you laying up treasure in heaven?

Be Not Conformed to This World

Paul wrote in Romans 12:1-2, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."

This instruction given to the saints at Rome is sorely needed by Christians today. We live in a world which subjects us to various pressures, calling upon us to "conform." Because "every one else" dresses immodestly, uses vulgar language, is involved in the mad pursuit of material things, is intent on the things of this life that are pleasurable, etc., etc., Christians are under heavy temptation to do likewise.

When many encourage such activities, excuse sin by saying; "when in Rome, do as the Romans do," remember that Paul wrote to those who were in Rome and told them to not do as the Romans do. He said, "Be not conformed to this world." It doesn't matter how popular and widespread sin and ungodliness may be. It doesn't excuse sinful conduct nor make such practices more acceptable. 

Christians are called upon by Titus 2:12 to deny ungodliness and worldly lust and to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. This we must do, regardless of what those around us do, and regardless of what they say. Jesus said in Matthew 5:14 and 16, "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

The life of the Christian is to be different - a pure, clean, wholesome kind of difference that others may see. It's sad indeed when our conduct can't be distinguished from that of the worldly people around us. How about you? Are you careful to conduct yourself correctly in all your relationships in life? Do you keep your life clean and your practice pure? Do you know what God has said about living our lives here on earth in preparation for eternity?

Peace of Mind

Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." In spite of the wonderful promise of God's gift of peace to every troubled soul, we're still a nation plagued with unrest, unhappiness, discontentment, and emotional and mental instability. Lets look at some things that affect our peace of mind.

1. Unbelief causes inner turmoil, but conviction and confidence in God calms the soul. Jesus said to His fearful disciples after He had calmed the storm, "Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?" (Mark 4:39-40).

2. A guilty conscience causes depression and anxiety. The world says to forget it, and do your own thing, but that advice will not bring peace. Rest and peace are received when one is reconciled to God through the forgiveness found in Jesus Christ.

3. Worry can depress one and dig an untimely grave. Matthew 6:31-34 tells us that having the same Father who cares for this world, Christians should trust in Him and escape personal anxiety. God knows our needs, and He will provide them if we put our trust in Him.

4. Fear fills this world with the cares of crime, war, sickness, death, terrorism, and other such things. Hope is the anchor of stability in the Christian's life. Hope will sustain our souls under the pressure of trials, temptations, hardships, persecutions, and the unknown.

5. Doubt is a product of unbelief and will destroy ones peace and relationship with God. Peace of mind is available to the saint who trusts in and follows the teachings of Christ. Faith will cause one to overcome this world and possess the peace of God. Prayer, when offered in true faith, will bring an unbelievable peace from God. Let us pray to God about everything that troubles us.

Our Christian Walk

There’s a saying that has been out for a long time that says: “Your talk talks and your walk talks, but your walk talks more than your talk talks.” We can give lip service forever and it won’t really amount to much until it is backed up by our actions in life. Therefore, we should learn that our Christian walk needs to be a walk of duty and devotion to our God! Knowing that this is so, then we should not ask others to carry us, but rather we should be ready to bear the burdens of one another (Gal 6:2). Since our Christian life is a walk, we must also understand that it is an individual duty. Nobody can take our place in our walk, we must do it individually, on our own. In 2 Corinthians 5:10 it says: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” The object of our Christian walk is to reach a desired destination and that destination is heaven. Paul wrote: “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing” (Philippians 3:14-16). As we press on toward heaven, that high calling, we realize that we must strive to live a life faithful to God here on earth. When others see our walk, do they see us striving for that high calling, being faithful to Jesus?

Walking in Newness of Life

Paul wrote again in Romans 6:4: “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Again in 2 Corinthians 5:17 he wrote: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” When an individual is baptized INTO Christ he is a new creature. All those old things that were of the world are now dead. We are brand new, striving to live a life of godliness. That is why EVERY Christian should be known by their walk. A Christian is different because they are now in God’s family, living and practicing only those things that are righteous! We should walk worthy of our vocation as it says in Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:10; and 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12.

Walking in Faith, Love, and Honesty

I believe that one thing that keeps some Christians from walking the Christian walk is a lack of genuine faith. We must have a sincere faith in God. “For we walk by faith, not by sight:” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Can all of us sincerely say that? When we have Bible faith, then we can get on with living our lives as God intended for us to. Before we can ever hope to “walk the walk”, then we MUST have faith in God. The Hebrew writer wrote: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb 11:6). Without proper faith, we can’t please Him in our life because our heart, mind, soul, and strength will not be present to serve Him. A Christian’s walk is also a walk of honesty. The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian brethren and said: “But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God” (2 Cor 4:2). This verse lets us know some things that a Christian will not do. It also tells us that a Christian’s conduct is upright and handled with all honesty. Do others see that kind of walk in our lives? 

In addition to faith, love, and honesty, a Christian’s walk should be a walk that copies that of Jesus. John writes: “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked” (1 John 2:6). Simply put, does our Christian walk mirror Jesus’ walk?

The Children of God

Isn’t it great to be able to say that “I am a child of God?” Everyone should long to be recognized as a faithful child of His. God made it possible for us to become His children by His deep love for us. John writes: “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1). God cares so much for those that He has created in His image, that He wants all to be saved. “who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Unfortunately, not everyone will be saved because not everyone is God’s child. Only the children of God will have the opportunity to have eternal salvation.

Who Are God’s Children?

Since only the children of God will be saved, it is very important to know who the children of God are. Only those that receive Jesus Christ will be His. In John 1:12 it says: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:” One only has the “right” to become God’s child when one believes on Jesus Christ. When one believes on Christ then one will repent of their sins (Acts 2:38; 17:30), confess Jesus as being the Son of God (Acts 8:37; Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:10), and then be baptized into Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:27; 1 Peter 3:21; Mark 16:16). When one follows these steps then one is born into the family of God and one becomes His child. Yes, one must be “born again” into the family of God, the “kingdom of God” in order to be a child of God. Jesus said: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). How precious it is to be a child of God!

Why Be A Child of God?

The apostle Paul writes: “and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:17). We learn from this verse that it is God’s children that are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. Only the heirs of God will be allowed entrance into heaven. Luke writes: “But those who are counted worthy to attain that age, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection” (Luke 20:35-36). In order for us to enjoy the glories of heaven we must be a child of God. Only His children will gain an inheritance to heaven which is achieved by being led by the Spirit here on earth. Paul clearly writes that “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God” (Romans 8:14). Every child of God and a true disciple of Christ understands that they must keep themselves pure and holy in His sight as they labor and toil upon this earth, knowing that one day they will be with the Lord if they remain faithful until death (Revelation 2:10).

What is the Duty of the Child of God?

Every individual who puts on Christ in baptism understands that they have certain duties that they must now fulfill in their life and service for God. Every Christian strives to imitate God. The apostle Paul writes: “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma” (Ephesians 5:1). The way one learns to imitate God is to learn about God, which can only come through the reading and studying of His word, the Bible. The child of God learns that God means more to them than anyone or anything (Matthew 10:32-39). Children of God should be so thankful that Jesus came and gave His life for them that they would want nothing more than to live for Him, letting their lights shine brightly for Him each and every day. Jesus Himself said: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). May every Christian strive to always let their lights shine brightly in the world around them as they live FOR Jesus and God the Father each and every day of their life.