Here are some random thoughts pertaining to spiritual truths that have been churning around in my mind these past couple of day. Thought I’d share them as a whole rather than in separate posts.
1. Make decisions based upon what you know rather than how you feel.
Even though God made us emotional beings, feelings can often be deceptive. Sometimes I think the enemy uses our feelings to remove the wind from our sails. When we make decisions based on momentary feelings, we’re basing our decision process on a whim. Feelings come and go, increase and subside, and can be either negative or positive. These feelings can change at a moments notice. You can be angry one moment and happy the next. Why do you think we’re told in Scripture not to let the sun go down on our anger? Or why does James tell us that anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desire for us. It’s because making a decision based on emotions or feelings can lead us down a destructive path. Well then, how you make decisions? You make a decision based upon what you know. What does God’s word say about the decision that needs to be made? Know the truth and the truth will set you free to make the right decision. Live out of what you know rather than out of how you feel. You’ll make better decisions and see better results.
2. Give your best.
Do your best in all that you do. You are working for the Lord and not for men. Don’t worry about whether your best is equal to the task. There will always be someone else more talented or smarter than you, don’t let that stall your effort or work. You just do your best. I’m reminded of the widow who gave the two mites. Many others before her had and gave more than she did. Yet Jesus noticed her offering above the others. Why? She gave her all, her best, and her everything. Because you’re working for the Lord, just give your best.
3. Serve rather than be served.
It is truly better to give than receive. You are blessed through giving. It’s as if we reach our potential in service. As followers of Christ, we pattern our lives after the one we follow. Jesus came to serve. He came to die and give His life away for others. At times I find it peculiar, this Christ was most at home in serving. He seemed to shy away from being served. Even to the point of washing the feet of his pupils. Christ’s example of service shapes and even defines the follower’s life.
4. Faith is to be lived.
Faith is demonstrated in life. Our faith is not private, but meant to be lived. Don’t just listen and do nothing, live it. People know your faith not by the words that flow out of your mouth, but by the way you live. Your life is your billboard. Jesus is glorified in a life lived well and faith demonstrated abundantly. As I read through Scripture, I notice Christ followers who live a demonstrated life of faith. No more closet Christianity. Let people witness the gospel lived out in you.
5. No matter how you slice it, Jesus is the only way.
John 14:6, “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
I’m not sure you can be Christ follower and believe there are other ways to Heaven’s eternal life. If you take Scripture to be God’s authoritative word, you must believe it to be true. If Jesus says He’s the only way, then He’s the only way. Any belief contrary to this truth stands in opposition to Jesus’ words and Scripture. To follow Jesus you must believe He’s not only a way, but He’s the only way. You must believe the one you follow. There is no other redeemer other than Jesus. If you don’t believe He’s the only way, yet claim to follow Him, then how can you follow a liar? By disregarding Jesus only, you make Him out to be a liar. Why would you follow this man? Remember that Jesus is the only way.
