Jesus did not mince words when it came to telling His followers how they must live here on earth. He illustrated this both in word and deed teaching us to be servants of the kingdom of heaven. What's more, He made it quite clear His true followers are not to make this earth their home striving for a comfort filled. On the contrary, He taught that this is how the lost people of this world seek to live. For those who are truly born again, our comfort comes from above as we place our full trust in the Father to meet our needs. Moreover, Jesus said those who live to serve the Lord in this life will receive great treasures in heaven. "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21). Christians must have their hearts and minds firmly fixed on serving the Father in heaven and not the spirit of this world.
The Apostle Paul wrote, "Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:1-3). We are called to be a light unto the world, and yet if choose to live as the world lives we will shine no brighter than the unsaved of this world. Thus, where we place our daily focus, what we desire, is what will govern our walk with Christ. Jesus taught, "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your vision is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your vision is poor, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" (Matthew 6:22-23). Although it may be difficult at times, we must always choose to go against the flow of this world. In doing so, we then must be prepared for the many trials and difficulties that come with our decision to walk as Jesus walked. However, if you live by faith trusting the Father He will surely bless you as He sees the true intent of your heart.
Jesus commanded us to do just two things. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and Love your neighbor as yourself." (Luke 10:27). However, there are far too many who continue to neglect these commands as they take it upon themselves to continue to live their lives by placing themselves first. This is what the spirit of this world teaches. We have a savior who clearly understands we cannot keep His commandments on our own and is why He sends us the Holy Spirit. This same Spirit, through faith, makes all things possible if we place our full trust in God. It is critical for the Christian to understand that we cannot walk as Jesus did in our own strength. Everyone who has ever tried and failed knows this to be true. Hence, this world is not our home! The true follower of Christ will seek to live a spirit-filled life allowing the love of God to shine through them and in return will give all of the glory and honor to God. Amen!
The Apostle Paul wrote, "Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:1-3). We are called to be a light unto the world, and yet if choose to live as the world lives we will shine no brighter than the unsaved of this world. Thus, where we place our daily focus, what we desire, is what will govern our walk with Christ. Jesus taught, "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your vision is clear, your whole body will be full of light. But if your vision is poor, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!" (Matthew 6:22-23). Although it may be difficult at times, we must always choose to go against the flow of this world. In doing so, we then must be prepared for the many trials and difficulties that come with our decision to walk as Jesus walked. However, if you live by faith trusting the Father He will surely bless you as He sees the true intent of your heart.
Jesus commanded us to do just two things. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and Love your neighbor as yourself." (Luke 10:27). However, there are far too many who continue to neglect these commands as they take it upon themselves to continue to live their lives by placing themselves first. This is what the spirit of this world teaches. We have a savior who clearly understands we cannot keep His commandments on our own and is why He sends us the Holy Spirit. This same Spirit, through faith, makes all things possible if we place our full trust in God. It is critical for the Christian to understand that we cannot walk as Jesus did in our own strength. Everyone who has ever tried and failed knows this to be true. Hence, this world is not our home! The true follower of Christ will seek to live a spirit-filled life allowing the love of God to shine through them and in return will give all of the glory and honor to God. Amen!
