Some Thoughts On Christian Living

The Christian life can be thought of as a race, but it is not a competition. As Christians, each of us is inching toward our goal of eternal life. Though there are challenges along the way, we remain focused on the supernal blessings in Christ.

The fact there is no competition enhances the Christian race. We are strengthened by the fellowship of our fellow “team members.” From a heart of love, we willingly “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Encouragement that is sincerely given provides a “cushion” from the bumps and bruises of daily life. Together, in Christ, we are in joyful pursuit of eternal life.

“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).

He Always Makes Things Better

A hit song from the early 70’s lamented, “Rainy days and Mondays always get me down.” Some people approach Mondays with a negative attitude. It is the beginning of the work week. Also, we find it easy to complain about a rainy day, especially when we have something important to us planned.

Consider the perspective of the various psalmists toward life. Writing by inspiration, each of them dealt with stressful, disappointing, and difficult situations. But what made the difference was their attitude toward the Lord. Consider the calm assurance emphasized in the following statement, “Truly my soul silently waits for God; from Him comes my salvation, He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved” (Psalm 62:1 & 2).

This is a certainly a beautiful picture of triumphant trusting in the Lord. Did he understand everything that was happening around him? No, but his trust in the Lord remained solid. In the opening words of this psalm, we find set forth the psalmist’s resolve to remain true to the Lord.

The strength of the psalmist’s intention is emphasized, as he declares, “I shall not be greatly moved.” Please ponder this very definite language. Indeed, you and I will be strengthened as we view the struggles and stresses of life with this attitude. Instead of imagining the worst concerning the difficulties that can wreck havoc in our lives, let us always manifest the quiet courage seen in the psalmists. This means approaching each day with the resolve, “I shall not be greatly moved?”

Great victories are in store for us in the Lord, as our trust remains solidly grounded in Him. The Lord will never let us down. The counsel of His Word will never mislead us. Most assuredly, He always makes all things better.

Brothers And Sisters

A good family is never perfect. Sometimes there will be failings and disappointments. Disagreements will arise over matters that with the passing of time will seem insignificant. But it is also true that some of life’s happiest memories occur within the family.

One of the clearest descriptions of the church in the New Testament is of a family. The church is the family of God. The following statement highlights this description, “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named” (Ephesians 4:14 & 15). In keeping with the description of the church being a family, individual Christians are referred to as “children of God” (I John 3:1, 10). Another meaningful passage along this line is found in Romans 8:16 & 17, “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.”

The description of the church as a family emphasizes the close relationship that is to exist among individual members of the church. For us to be as the Lord would have us to be in Him, love must always reign supreme. Indeed, love is the glue that enables us to stand together in Christ. As Christians are urged, “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart” (I Peter 1:22). Another strong exhortation speaks to this same point, “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought also ought to love one another” (I John 4:11).

There are different personalities and temperaments even among Christians. But our relationship with Christ, grounded in the Truth of God’s Word, rises above these things. We are striving together for heaven. Remembering we are brothers and sisters in Christ, may God help us as we, “Let brotherly love continue” (Hebrews 13:1).

Do We Really Care?

The tears of Jeremiah were real. As God’s faithful servant, he had poured out his heart to the people of Judah for more than forty years. But tragically, they had allowed their hearts to be calloused. Now Jerusalem lies barren. The glory of what was had been reduced to ruin and rubble. How could this have happened? One indication of the mindset that had lead to this sad chapter of history is seen in the following question that Jeremiah brought before God’s people, “Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Behold and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow, which has been brought on me, which the Lord had inflicted in the day of His fierce anger” (Lamentations 1:12).

The difference between success and failure among any group of people often lies in the degree of real concern they possess. This was truly at the foundation of Judah’s failure. Now they were reaping the sad results. An indication of how low they had fallen is revealed in the very first verse of the book of Lamentations, “How lonely sits the city that was full of people! How like a widow is she, who was great among the nations! The princes among the provinces has become a slave” (Lamentations 1:1). Why had these people allowed this downward spiral?

A true indication of any group of people is how they respond to

challenges. Of course, it is possible to overreact. But the opposite also represents a danger. We can seek to do the greatest good. Our attitude can be to do all we can to assist and strengthen.

The work of the Lord in every generation must be given maximum efforts. Today’s shirking of duty possesses the danger of abandonment tomorrow. Patterns allowed to develop easily become entrenched.

But as God’s people have a mind to work (Nehemiah 4:6), great things will result. The Lord will bless our efforts. Instead of allowing ourselves to be held captive by discouragement, let’s always shine the spotlight on the possibilities. Genuine care will keep us focused on the task before us. It will thus give us a forward focus.

A revival of a true sense of caring will help us attain even greater heights of success in the Lord’s service. Time is of the essence, therefore we must not delay (Ephesians 5:15). As you seek to build an even greater sense of caring for the Lord’s work, please meditate on the following inspired exhortation, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord’ (I Corinthians 15:58).

Do You Want To Go To Heaven?

The suitcases are packed and loaded in the car. You close the car door, and now you turn the ignition key. Now you are on the road. Your vacation has begun. A vacation is always a good thing. Daily life has a certain measure of stress and struggles. A vacation is a respite. For most people, the days leading up to a vacation are full of anticipation. We are excited, and most certainly we are anxious to begin our vacation.

But there is something more exciting than a vacation. God, in His mercy and great love, has made all the necessary provisions for us to live with Him for eternity in Heaven. Jesus has promised, “In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). Some of the most beautiful language in the Bible is used in Revelation 21 and 22 to describe the beauties and glories of heaven.

Bible believers accept the reality of heaven. We know that life on this earth is brief and fragile (James 4:14). We recognize that our time on this earth is temporary (Hebrews 9:27). It should then naturally follow that heaven is the longing in our hearts.

Do you want to go to heaven? If so, how are you seeking to fulfill this longing and desire? Please carefully consider the following questions:

1. Am I putting God first in my life? Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).

2. Do I strive to keep my thoughts on things on heavenly things? Colossians 3:2 directs us, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

3. Is my striving to be close to the Lord? James 4:8 assures us, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”

4. Am I obedient to the Lord? The words of Revelation 22:14 present a wonderful promise: “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”

Heaven is not a land of make believe. It will be the place of no more partings or tearful farewells. It will be a perfect place. Indeed, the longer we live on this earth, the greater should be our desire for the celestial city of God.