We need, in a good sense, to have a “one-track” mind — a mind so totally focused on the Lord and His cause that there is no room for other considerations. It takes constant adjustment to keep our hearts where they need to be. Let’s work on that.
Even more than to Israel, God is saying to us, “I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people” (Leviticus 26:12). Throughout this week, let’s enjoy and give thanks for the closeness to God we can have in Jesus Christ.
Just as God created us to be vessels through whom He could show forth His goodness, He had a similar motive in saving us from our sins. In both our creation and our redemption, we are to be vessels used by God to manifest His divine goodness.
To have any hope of a quality relationship with God (and hence, a quality life) we’re going to have to answer the question “Who am I?” in a way that is true to reality. In the long run, nothing good comes out of thinking that is based on falsehood.
Let’s consider five different words used to describe the Lord’s people in the Scriptures. These words look at our responsibilities from different viewpoints — and by studying each of them, we can have a more balanced understanding of life in Christ.
Few of us will ever have the opportunity to give our lives for God in a public martyrdom. But what God wants is the willingness to do all that we do — both the “big” things and the “little” ones — as if we were doing them for Him personally.
The things that produce most of our spiritual growth are those that happen on ordinary days — not the great choices we make on momentous occasions, but the day-to-day decisions to do the good things we know we ought to do. So let’s “seize the day.”
“Stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter,” wrote Paul. The church in the apostolic age is a pattern for us. If a congregation is to be “of Christ,” it must follow His instructions.
Let’s take the time to review some of the most basic concepts relating to the Bible, God, salvation, and the church. We’ll handle specific issues in these areas better if we’ve first grounded ourselves in sound general principles on these topics.
Nothing the devil offers us comes close to being as wonderful and joyous as the ability to pillow our head at night with a good conscience. So let’s be brave in the realm of spiritual things. At all costs, let’s do what we know is right.
