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Our
Lord’s intentions are to bless us. But somehow this is not our reality.
Why? Where is the breakdown between what Jesus Christ wants for us, and
what we experience?
Our
Father has created into His creation certain unalterable principles. He
has built into reality consequences, fruit, results, into our decision
making process. We do make decisions either intentionally or by neglect
– either by getting involved and making particular choices or by trying
to remain uninvolved and passive. The latter is nevertheless a choice –
the decision to not make a decision. Our choices bear fruit. Christ has
built this principle into His creation. If you do not believe He is the
Creator, and would prefer to believe in evolution, this is too is a
choice and this too has consequences – as does believing He is the
Creator has consequences. One choice makes the individual total
dependent on himself, and or circumstances, the ‘luck of the draw’,
fate, one’s stars, someone else’s more powerful karma over your life.
Your get the picture. The choice of believing in a all powerful Creator
that can be known personally and intimately – One that can be enjoyed
and understood, has in itself consequences. I have chosen by faith, to
believe in Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour. You may chose to
believe in evolution, but you too will have to believe in evolution by
faith. You will have to trust yourself, fate and others. I will have to
trust the Lord Jesus Christ, who is God with me.
Here
are some examples of the principles He has built into His creation.
These principles did not just evolve. These principles are not the
product of cultures that are more civilized than others. I have chosen
examples from a portion of the Bible called Proverbs chapter 11. Here
are some of the verses found therein.
12 A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
Why
does the man of understanding not respond to the derider? Because the
derider will turn his derision on him or continue the original derision
against him.
A
man of understanding understands what? That he can see a pattern in the
one deriding. He is not swayed by that person’s words, even if that
person is his best friend. He does not take up the derider’s offense.
The person of understanding does not understand everything, but he can
understand his friend’s pattern of derision. He can understand the
anger, the venom. The man of understanding knows that if he cross the
angry person, he too will be the target of derision – it may take a
while, but the derider is exhibiting a pattern.
By the way, do you deride your neighbour, wife, husband, parent, boss, teacher, pastor?
13 A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.
The
more confidential the confidence, the more difficult it is to be
trustworthy. Can you be trusted? Can you keep a secret – even a big
secret? Or are you a betrayer? Can you keep a secret of someone you
don’t like? Or do you betray others with your gossip? Judas did.
14 For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.
A
nation, a marriage, a family, a church, our decisions. Is God’s Word
talking about majority rule? Consensus? No. Wise counsel is not derived
from the popular opinion of church going people. Guidance is obtained
from individuals who enjoy and understand Jesus Christ.
17 A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself.
Benefits
himself: how? We need to ask what is kindness? Kindness is being
considerate; taking care of; being thoughtful towards; showing favor.
Do you have this attitude towards yourself? Are you critical of
yourself? Do you set unrealistic expectations for yourself? Do you
allow yourself to enjoy what you have achieved? Is enough ever enough
with you? Do you deprive yourself of friendships, because… you’re
addicted to work; won’t reach out to someone and call him for a meal;
have an obsession to be in competition; have to be in charge? Do you
get what I’m saying?
Or
are you cruel to yourself, and therefore your family? Are you unkind?
Do your opinions, perceptions, way of doing things, have to
predominate? Do you always have to be right? Are you bring trouble on
yourself? Remember the principles of the Creator: what you sow you reap.
A
cruel man is unmerciful. He does not show mercy to himself or others.
Mt 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
You
may want to spend some quiet, uninterrupted time with our Lord Jesus
Christ – enjoy Him and get to understand Him. A kind man benefits
himself this way.
Your Pastor by His grace and yours,
Pastor David
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