We
as Christians are called to be different. We were made in his image, and as
stated in the first post that’s not saying we physically look like God, but
that we embody and reflect his characteristics such as love, mercy and forgiveness. These qualities should be on display not just
when things are going well and all is easy breezy, but during the difficult times
and through our storms. Exemplify the qualities of God even when our love,
gentleness, mercy or compassion is going unrequited. We all at times want to
get even, or seek revenge when others do us wrong. It’s hard to be nice to
someone who is being mean to you or lend to those who wouldn’t do the same for
you. For me personally it’s a battle not giving in to human nature and society’s “Eye for an Eye” ideal as
if Hammurabi’s Code of Law still governs us. If we only gave to those who would
give to us, loved those who loved us or who we felt were deserving then how
different would we be from non-Christians/non believers. They look out for those who look out for them
as well. It’s not up to us to deem who is deserving. We all have our faults and
shortcomings, we all sin. Through it all
God still loves us, grants us mercy and forgives us time and time again even
when undeserving. It’s tough but we are
called to be ☆DIFFERENT☆; we were made in his image. “Love ye your enemies, and
do good and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and
ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and
to the evil. 36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your father also is merciful” Luke
6:35-36
Noah,
is a great example of being in the world but not of the world. Genesis 6:5 says
“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every
imagination of thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” As we continue
reading we see Noah was different; verse 8 in the same chapter says “But Noah
found grace in the eyes of the Lord. 9 these are the generations of Noah: Noah
was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.”
Unlike the rest of mankind at the time, “Noah walked with God” and because of
this he found grace in the eyes of the Lord.
Be In The World But Not of The World
John 17:14 – I
have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not
of the world, even as I am not of the world.”
Stay Thirsty My Friends
Thirsty Thursdays: Ron
After reading this I feel challenged to step out in certain areas where Im uncomfortable and to give more in all areas.....bring on the status reports
ReplyDeleteExcellent message bro!! The part that stands out To me the most Is when you encourage us to, "Exemplify the qaulities of God even when our love, gentleness, mercy or compassion is going unrequited". That's very difficult. Because God loves me unconditionaly despite my faults, sins and shortcomings, i'm able to love others.
ReplyDeleteI love this post Ron. That message in Luke really spoke to my heart. God's love is wonderful and the WORD truly Works!!!
ReplyDelete