Ever hear the expression you are what you eat? If you become what you consume, then what are you consuming? What kinds of things are you setting before your eyes and taking in through your ears? Would you watch, read, or listen to the same things if you had your mom next to you? What if Jesus was literally sitting next to you? God does know everything we do after all. These are all questions we should ask ourselves. Paul was right when he said to examine yourself and be careful lest you fall. None of us is immune or oblivious to the modern-day culture around us. If we don’t watch ourselves, and let darkness enter in, how can we possibly let any of our light shine? Didn’t Jesus say it’s better to cut out our eyes and enter maimed into heaven than to enter whole into Gehenna? Don’t start looking around for a knife, just recognize the significance of such a statement. Jesus didn’t hyperbolize for nothing. If he exaggerated, it was always to make a point. Sin is serious and we need to be careful.
Oh foolish Galatians, you were running well. What hindered you? What is hindering us? Why and how could we even stray off the path? Don’t use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, get choked by the cares of the world, and then cry out to God because you feel abandoned. It’s not that He doesn’t care, it’s that we’ve strayed. A little leaven does leaven the whole lump. While we are free in Christ, that freedom was purchased at a price. Jesus didn’t die for us to go out and sin, but for us to go out into the world and love as we have been loved. Through love, serve one another. But we can’t love others as we truly ought to unless we’re set free by Christ first. Loving your friends and family is easy. Loving those who are indifferent or hate you is a whole other ball game and we need the aid of the Holy Spirit. So what do we do? Our pastor on Sunday said, “We must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. If our eyes ever come off of him, we will be hindered.” Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith. The Scriptures are our armor and double-edge sword. It’s not always easy, but resist the devil and he will flee from you. If you’re wondering what’s wrong or asking yourself why, stop. Think deeply. Reflect on what you’ve been consuming recently, and repent. Those things do have an influence over us, even if we don’t immediately recognize it. Whatever is true, good, worthy, think of those things. If it’s none of the above, then what are you doing and why are you letting yourself succumb to unhealthy things? How can you expect your spiritual and relational life to flourish and abound in love for your neighbor if you’re focused on your own selfish desires? And this is not just for whoever may happen to read this, but a good refresher for myself as well with thoughts and notes from a great Sunday message. Don’t get stuck in guilt if it hits close to home. Remember, love covers a multitude of sins. Do turn away from your sin and turn to God who knows you, faults and all, resuming your walk on the narrow road. Many will look for it, but few find it. We may occasionally lose sight of it and what’s important, but may God keep extending us the mercy we don’t deserve. Only then can we truly demonstrate our love for God by serving others. We don’t do it to earn God’s love or to be saved, but because He demonstrated His love to us on that cross and even now in spite of ourselves. We can’t help but want to reciprocate and extend that love out of our overflowing gratitude and joy. So don’t lose sight of what truly matters, discard those hindrances, and go serve with love. Comments are closed.
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July 2020
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