Readings:
Job 41
II Corinthians 6:14-7:1
Focus:
II Corinthians 7:1b: "Let us therefore cleanse ourselves from all that can defile flesh or spirit...."
Many people think that Christianity is all about rules. They think that the main thing about Christianity is that Christians can't do a lot of things. This is not true. Christianity is about a relationship with God who loves us.
However, it is true that it is for our own good not to do many things. There are things that are just plain bad for us, that bring us down. As Paul says earlier in this passage, can light associate with darkness? We are happier and more able to be comfortable in God's presence if we don't do those things that are unbecoming. Let us cleanse ourselves from those things.
Showing posts with label living good lives. Show all posts
Showing posts with label living good lives. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Not Everything Is Good for Us
Readings:
Job 16
I Corinthians 10:14-33
Focus:
I Corinthians 10:23a: "'We are free to do anything,' you say. Yes, but not everything is good for us."
Many of the early Christians were happy that they had been released from the ceremonial laws of the Jewish religion, and were glad to proclaim that they were free to do anything. But Paul is quick here to remind them that not everything is good for them, and that not everything builds up the community. They must even more than before use their judgment (and turn to God in prayer) to know what they ought to do, and ought to refrain from doing.
The same is true of us. We may not be bound by a lot of rules and regulations, but we must always think of whether an action is helpful or kind or healthy. And above all, we must think of whether what we do helps bring God's kingdom closer, or works against it. I try to use this last test of my actions whenever I can (or, being a faulty human, whenever I remember it!)
It feels good when we know that we are doing what is for the good rather than what is for the bad.
Job 16
I Corinthians 10:14-33
Focus:
I Corinthians 10:23a: "'We are free to do anything,' you say. Yes, but not everything is good for us."
Many of the early Christians were happy that they had been released from the ceremonial laws of the Jewish religion, and were glad to proclaim that they were free to do anything. But Paul is quick here to remind them that not everything is good for them, and that not everything builds up the community. They must even more than before use their judgment (and turn to God in prayer) to know what they ought to do, and ought to refrain from doing.
The same is true of us. We may not be bound by a lot of rules and regulations, but we must always think of whether an action is helpful or kind or healthy. And above all, we must think of whether what we do helps bring God's kingdom closer, or works against it. I try to use this last test of my actions whenever I can (or, being a faulty human, whenever I remember it!)
It feels good when we know that we are doing what is for the good rather than what is for the bad.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Dwelling in Jesus
Readings:
II Kings 5
John 15:1-10
Focus:
John 15:5b:"Anyone who dwells in me, as I dwell in him, bears much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
We want to be good people. We want to do what is right and to live good lives. But we can't do that on our own. Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing.
Moreover, if we don't dwell in him, we are barren of goodness, like withered branches, much like Elisha's servant Gehazi. Gehazi thought he could secretly get some of the bounty that Naaman had brought with him to reward Elisha for curing him of leprosy, so, even though Elisha had turned it down, he lied to Naaman about it and ended up getting some of it. But Elisha knew about the lie, and Gehazi ended up punished. Gehazi was not dwelling in God's ways, and this was the result.
No, if we want to be better people, if we want to live good lives, we need to dwell in Jesus.
II Kings 5
John 15:1-10
Focus:
John 15:5b:"Anyone who dwells in me, as I dwell in him, bears much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
We want to be good people. We want to do what is right and to live good lives. But we can't do that on our own. Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing.
Moreover, if we don't dwell in him, we are barren of goodness, like withered branches, much like Elisha's servant Gehazi. Gehazi thought he could secretly get some of the bounty that Naaman had brought with him to reward Elisha for curing him of leprosy, so, even though Elisha had turned it down, he lied to Naaman about it and ended up getting some of it. But Elisha knew about the lie, and Gehazi ended up punished. Gehazi was not dwelling in God's ways, and this was the result.
No, if we want to be better people, if we want to live good lives, we need to dwell in Jesus.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
