“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”

I love this passage because it conquers the flesh. It is everything opposite of human nature. It is God! You and I were born selfish. The problem is sin. It produces selfishness. No effort is needed to be this way it’s automatic. We inherited it from our first parent Adam along with a host of other evils:

“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man [Adam], and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.” Romans 5:12 NIV

UNSELFISHNESS

Because we are naturally inclined to be selfish God’s Spirit is needed to be the opposite.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

Everything about God is unselfish. HE HAS DONE AND STILL DOES FOR US THINGS HE DOESN’T HAVE TO DO! God is so good He even takes care of His enemies:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. HE CAUSES HIS SUN TO RISE ON THE EVIL AND THE GOOD, AND SENDS RAIN ON THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE UNRIGHTEOUS. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48 NIV

God shows us the best way to live, it is by imitating Him. Those who have the faith to obey His commands know just how much following Jesus’ teachings benefits them. When we live by the Spirit and go against our flesh we always experience blessings, and some very pleasant surprises. If we hang in there with Jesus and do not give up we will understand what He means when He says:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

SHOW KINDNESS TO THE UNTHANKFUL AND EVIL?

“But 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. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.” Luke 6:35-36 KJV

Jesus raises the bar; He commands that we do good to others expecting nothing in return, even the unthankful and evil. Yes, that includes those who hate your guts. That’s a lot for the selfish flesh to digest sometimes. But we (God’s children) are growing into the image of Jesus Christ who is the epitome of unselfishness. Have we come to realize yet that our very existence is to glorify God? What awesome rewards and joys we receive when we obey Him! When we’re loving, generous, and compassionate, we are walking with God. Here are some wonderful verses to ponder regarding this:

“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:24-25 NIV

“And if your brother becomes poor and is not able to make a living, then you are to keep him with you, helping him as you would a man from another country who is living among you. Take no interest from him, in money or in goods, but have the fear of your God before you, and let your brother make a living among you. Do not take interest on the money which you let him have or on the food which you give him. I am the Lord your God, who took you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan, that I might be your God.” Leviticus 25:35-38 BBE

“Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; the Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.” Psalms 41:1‭-‬3 ESV

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.)”  2 Corinthians 9:6-9 KJV

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“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 NIV

Does the Lord test us solely to see how we’re gonna react in certain situations? Does He do this to see if we’re good enough to warrant His favor? First of all, why would the one who is the Alpha and the Omega, the begining and the end, the first and the last, the past, the present, and the future, need to see anything? (Revelation 22:13) He already knows. And secondly, if the Lord tests us to see if we’re good enough to warrant His love these next verses are null and void:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:23-24 KJV

No one is good enough to deserve God’s favor. Having God’s favor is a merciful gift. A gift that is only made possible through Jesus Christ. When God tests us he is REFINING us. This matches scripture:

“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:6-7 NIV

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” John 15:1-2 NIV

“For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.” Psalm 66:10-12 KJV

Often our trials show US things about ourselves. We get to see where we must improve to reflect the image of Jesus Christ. God knows us through and through and where we need to grow. For example, on the night that Jesus was arrested Peter promised Jesus he would never desert Him. But Jesus looked right at him and said,

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” Matthew 26:34 NIV

“Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said. But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.” He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!” After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.” Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.” Matthew 26:69-75 NIV

It’s not God who needs to see

to show you you

and show me me

He already knows

Jesus already knew what Peter would do. But Peter had no idea what his heart was capable of.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9 KJV

Peter learned some things about himself from his trial. Though he fell flat on his face he profited from his experience. Because he persevered (did not give up) he soon grew to become the pillar of the church Jesus said he would be:

“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18 KJV

Like Peter our trials show us US. They can show where we need to grow into the image of Jesus Christ. And they should also be showing us just how Awesome and Merciful our Holy God is to Love us in spite of how wretched we are in these fleshly bodies. (Romans 7:21-25)

“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.” Psalm 103:8-14 KJV

PATIENCE/PERSEVERANCE

“Being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 WEB

Just as God is patient with us we need to be patient with ourselves and one another. We can be confident as the scripture says that God will fulfill His promises to us. He will complete the work in us He began. When you feel down about your trials, or when your sins upset you, remember and meditate on God’s promises. Remember His mercy for those who come to Him with a repentant heart. (Proverbs 28:13) This gives us strength and confidence. Feelings are fickeled, but not God. He will do in our lives what He said he would. All we have to do is believe Him and persevere (not give up).

Our trials though many are actually perfecting us, making us complete in God’s sight. This is a cause for joy! Everything the enemy throws our way to destroy us God makes work out for our good.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:28-32 NIV

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“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Proverbs 28:13 NIV

Jesus promises to forgive us if we confess our sins with a repentant heart. Then why is it so hard for many to admit their sins? One reason is they don’t have a repentant heart. Some have lied to themselves so much about their sins they believe they’re wrongs are right. It’s always what others are doing to them, they’re never wrong. Or they’re never wrong enough to see the need to repent.

Fear keeps many from confessing their sins. They’re horrified of how others will view them if they tell the truth. They’re afraid of destroying relationships if they admit to the evil they’ve done. Can you imagine how difficult it would be to admit to a spouse that you have cheated? Nevertheless it must be done to have friendship with God. But people would rather have the approval of one another than the approval of God who says if we confess and renounce our sins He will show us mercy. When we pretend to be who we are not (live a double life) this is a form of deception and manipulation. And many who live like this call themselves Christians.

If a person doesn’t know the first thing about confession of guilt because of sin how can they be a servant of Christ? Confession of sins with a repentant heart is Jesus 101. This is the very basics of Jesus’ teachings. We see it throughout the Bible. Being convicted of one’s sins and confessing them is the first step to getting to know God. So if someone claims to be a believer but just can’t own up to their sins they are lying. (1 John 1:7-10) They may not know it but Satan has deceived them greatly. He has a strong hold on them.

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16 KJV

GOD SAYS to confess your faults (sins is also the meaning of the Greek word here) to one another, and pray for one another. And the reward He says is, “THAT YE MAY BE HEALED.” This matches Proverbs 28:13 which says those who confess and renounce their sins find God’s mercy. I don’t know about you but I prefer God’s mercy over how I’m viewed by you or anyone else. So I’m gonna tell on myself! That’s what confession means; to squeal on yourself, not anybody else. I’m gonna share my faults and sins, with my brothers and sisters and ask them to pray for me. God says if I do this I get healed. I want God’s healing. I desire that way more than how I’m viewed by others. Some of you know exactly what I’m talking about because you feel the same way too. So let us keep obeying God and be willing to share our mess-ups and mishaps with one another. This also encourages the brethren by letting them know they’re not the only ones going through this struggle with sin. (Galatians 5:17)

People who conceal their sins are operating in deceit. They are walking in the power of darkness. They have opened the door wide for Satan to come in and destroy them. Let us please never make that horrible mistake. The flames of hell are waiting for those who refuse to confess, renounce, and repent of their sins. For those who put good for evil and darkness for light eternal flames in the lake of fire will be their reward. (Revelation 21:8) Then it will be too late to confess. Nothing can be done then. Confess and renounce your wrongs now, and turn from doing evil to doing good NOW, before it is too late!

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR TRUE SEEKERS OF GOD

If you are a servant of God who can admit your sins these next comforting passages are for you. Fakers like to use them as a license to sin. (Jude 1:4) But these next verses are truly yours.

“We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.” Romans 7:14-25 NIV

“Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” Hebrews 10:22 NIV

“How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” Hebrews 9:14 KJV

“He is the one all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in him will have their sins forgiven through his name.” Acts 10:43 NLT

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:7-10 KJV

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“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” James 1:19-20 KJV

What agitates your soul? What can create in us even a violent reaction? These are the things Satan will cause (and God will allow) in our lives. We just read in James that when we’re angry we can’t live for God. That’s why the evil one will constantly try to get us angry. And God allows it giving us the opportunity to learn how to deal with anger His way.

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:29-32 KJV

God just told us how to deal with anger. We must be very careful to guard our speech. No corrupt words should proceed out of our mouths. Only what is helpful for edifying. We must be kind and tenderhearted to one another. And forgive each other just as God forgave us. This is the playbook for dealing with anger. Reciting it is one thing, execution is another.

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.” Ephesians 4:26-27 KJV

If I told you that those who ignore God’s counsel on how to deal with anger are literally opening up their homes to the Devil you might say I’m going too far. But not according the definition of the word, “PLACE,” in Ephesians 4:27. The word means to give someone a spot, a space, an inhabited place, occupation, a station, opportunity, power, an occasion for acting, etcetera. Do you see why God tells us to avoid anger?

“Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:9 KJV

Have you ever heard someone say, “I’m gonna settle down?” That means they’re looking for a permanent place or situation. That same phrase, “settle down,” is the definition of the word, “RESTETH,” in Ecclesiastes 7:9. Yes, anger, “settles down,” in the BOSOM of fools God says. Now that’s too close for comfort. Just as the Spirit of the Lord can rest upon someone, the spirit of anger (which is Satan) can rest on someone too:

“If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” 1 Peter 4:14 NIV

We should avoid human anger like the plague it is. Anger gives Satan and his demons a place in our lives to work their misery and destruction.

FORGIVENESS

I believe forgiveness is the greatest antidote to anger. Being able to let things go also shows we have great understanding:

“He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.” Proverbs 14:29 KJV

Do we really understand just how flawed we are and everyone else is around us because of sin? (Psalm 51:5 Romans 3:23) Then should we really expect everything to go so smoothly? For nobody to do anything that upsets us? On the contrary we should expect to be tempted when it comes to anger. We just read that anger gives the Devil a stronghold in our lives. He is the chief enemy of God and his people. So we better expect situations to arise that cause us to get angry. And sometimes we will become angry rightfully so. ‘Become angry but do not sin,’ is what Ephesians 4:26 is saying. Do not act on angry feelings. And do not, DO NOT, let the sun go down while you are still angry. This means you’ve accepted God’s counsel and worked your feelings of anger out quickly. You’re not a fool who has anger residing (living) in his/her bosom. You can forgive. You are operating in the power of Almighty God! And Satan cannot get his paws on you because you obey God’s word.  🙂

“A man’s good sense makes him slow to wrath, and the overlooking of wrongdoing is his glory.” Proverbs 19:11 BBE

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“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I PRESS toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14 KJV

One of the definitions of the word, “Press,” in the passage above means to run swiftly after, to pursue. That’s how Paul chased the mark for the prize. He didn’t walk towards it. He didn’t jog. He ran to it! When I read this something else came to mind, it was when David slew the giant Goliath. After young David boldly told him, ‘Today God will deliver you Philistines into our hands,’ he then RAN towards the giant with his sling and struck him down. (1 Samuel 17:45-50) I thought to myself, “Hmmm, this dude (David) was a man after God’s own heart. So was the apostle Paul. There’s something here.” And that my dear brothers and sisters I would like to share with you.

One of the things I love about Paul is he said he was not perfect, and he did not attain his goal yet. Paul wasn’t bigheaded. He was still reaching to obtain his goal. Paul well knew that we are saved by faith and not by works. (Ephesians 2:8-9) He wrote about this throughout his God inspired letters in the New Testament. But he also knew there was more work to be done​ in the Lord’s​ service. That should encourage us. I’m sure when we examine ourseives we sense that there’s more to be done too. That’s great. And God will help us to accomplish His will:

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.”  John 15:4 NLT

Jesus’ next words are very encouraging too because He lets us know that WE WILL produce the kind of fruit God wants in our lives as long as we remain in Him:

“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, WILL PRODUCE much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 NLT

Because we continue to feed on the nutritious sap flowing from the vine which is Jesus, we branches will bear much fruit. It’s going to happen:

“And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.” Mark 4:20 KJV

HOW AM I GONNA DO THAT?

I remember when I first became a believer God showed me something he wanted me to do. It was and still is a very important task. Back then I remember thinking to myself, “How am I gonna do that?” because the job God showed me looked too big for me. I sometimes got discouraged thinking, “I can’t do it.” And God showed me that was the problem: I SAW MYSELF DOING IT, INSTEAD OF HIM DOING IT through me. When we focus on ourselves doing God’s work yes it is impossible. But when we put the focus where it should be, on God, all things are possible. It’s not really us doing anything anyway. It’s all God. We have the privilege of being used as His instruments and fellow workers.

The truth is we must leave our comfort zones. What I mean by that is we must be willing to stretch our muscles of faith and dare to believe in God’s promises like never before. Then action follows. Instead of walking or jogging towards our goal like the apostle Paul and David we find ourselves running towards it. We become excited about doing God’s will. We believe that God’s got it. We’re not looking to ourselves to do it anymore. We’re not afraid anymore. My brothers and sisters when we believe God like this He can use us to do anything!

“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27 NIV

CONDUCTING BUSINESS FOR THE LORD

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last-dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip. “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money. “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’ “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’ “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’ “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’ “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ ” Matthew 25:14-30 NLT

If you’re in Jesus Christ you’re a businessperson. I know we may not see ourselves that way but it’s the truth. The King has entrusted us with His goods, and has assigned tasks​ for all of us to do. These assignments are not too difficult. Jesus illustrates this in the passage above. Two servants produced for their master. But the servant who had been given the least responsibility did nothing at all. When asked why he didn’t produce the servant told his master that he was a harsh man and that he was afraid of him, then said, ‘Here, take your money back.’ This servant’s attitude toward his master affected his work ethic. And things did not go well for him. If the servant would have only analyzed himself instead of the faults of his master he could have produced. He would have seen that the king was not being hard or unreasonable with him. He gave him a job he was very capable of doing.

When I read where the servant said he was afraid it reminded me of something I’ve heard people say over the years. I thought about the many folks I heard say they knew that God was calling them but they were afraid that they would mess up. So they never answered the Lord’s call. But ironically they are messing up in the worse way by ignoring God. When we answer the Lord’s call and seek Him he covers all of our mess ups. We have forgiveness of all our sins.

If not careful we can make the same mistake as the wicked servant. Some of us may be harboring​ resentment towards God; thinking what he’s asked us to do is too hard or unfair. For example we may harbor feelings like, “Why do you want me to forgive that person Lord? You saw what they did to me?” “You’re telling me to love this man/woman? That’s impossible! I want a divorce!” “God, why are you pricking me to preach to people more? You know I’m shy?” “Lord I know I’m supposed to love my enemies but these enemies are ridiculous!” The human brain is expert when it comes to making excuses why not to obey God. Let’s hope and pray for ourselves and for one another that we won’t be that way.

WHAT’S MY JOB?

Sometimes we really do want to serve God but we just don’t know what to do. This next verse shows the very next thing we should do:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” James 1:5-8 NIV

God says if we ask Him he will let us know what He wants us to do. All we have to do is ask and believe, and He will answer us.

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 NLT

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“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; CORRECT[1], REBUKE[2] and ENCOURAGE[3]—with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:2 NIV

If you’ve ever wondered, “How do I preach God’s word?” He just told us in 2 Timothy 4:2. CORRECT, REBUKE, AND ENCOURAGE, with great patience and careful instruction.

It may seem to some that all we’re to do with God’s word is encourage one another. That sounds really good. I know I like receiving and giving Encouragement. But that is only a part of what 2 Timothy 4:2 says. We’re to correct and rebuke each other if necessary with God’s word too. I just got some heartfelt correction from my son and another friend. It was what I needed to hear. They showed me a serious flaw I need to correct. It stung a bit at first. But soon after their correction felt good to me. Because I saw that they loved me and was not afraid to tell me the truth.

“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.” Proverbs 27:9 NIV

CORRECT

If we fear men; what they think of us, etcetera, we won’t say a word. We’re more in love with our feelings than God at this point. What I just said may have corrected somebody. And I know it may not have felt good. But I also know it needed to be said because many of us say we love God and fellow believers but we’re too afraid to lovingly correct them. But if we only knew just how much such fear is harming us and them we would repent.

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18 NIV

The goal behind godly correction is repentance. When you truly love someone you will be willing to give them correction. If fear keeps us from doing this how can we say we love God or our brothers and sisters when God’s word says, “There is no fear in love?” (1 John 4:18) The great part about serving God is when he shows us where we have fallen short we can repent. Please, please, let us all repent.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 NIV

We’ve talked about giving correction. Here are some passages that deal with accepting it:

“He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.” Proverbs 10:17 KJV

“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” Proverbs 12:1 NIV

“A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.” Proverbs 15:5 KJV

“Lord, do not your eyes look for truth? You struck them, but they felt no pain; you crushed them, but they refused correction. They made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent.” Jeremiah 5:3 NIV

If we’re God’s child He is going to correct us. He is going to show us parts of ourselves that aren’t pretty. This is all part of the process of being transformed into the image of His son Jesus Christ. And remember, the beautiful part about this is if we don’t like what we see in the mirror we can change, we can repent. God can give us the power to repent and give us a new heart. We can pray for this like David did:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10 KJV

Please don’t hate correction. Please be humble and repent.

REBUKE

“And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Hebrews 12:5-11 KJV

We  just read in Hebrews that God rebukes ALL OF HIS CHILDREN. In fact God himself says that if we are without chastisement from Him we are not His children but are bastards. A rebuke is a stronger form of correction. A rebuke is when God sharply disciplines us. Yes, it hurts a lot. The goal of a rebuke too is repentance. God will sometimes cause and bring us through some very tough circumstances. These are a part of our training to transform us into the image of His son Jesus Christ and get us to repent. Sometimes He may use another believer to Rebuke us. They may sharply call to our attention our unbecoming behavior. Paul had to do this to Peter:

“But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong. When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision. As a result, other Jewish believers followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. When I saw that they were not following the truth of the gospel message, I said to Peter in front of all the others, “Since you, a Jew by birth, have discarded the Jewish laws and are living like a Gentile, why are you now trying to make these Gentiles follow the Jewish traditions?” Galatians 2:11-14 NLT

Paul called out Peter’s hypocrisy. Peter was a respected leader in God’s church. But his misconduct was affecting others in the church. This had to be dealt with. Good thing Paul loved Peter enough to tell him the truth. Paul did this to help Peter and the others to repent. We know Peter accepted Paul’s rebuke because he spoke well of Paul after this took place.

“Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as OUR DEAR BROTHER PAUL also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.” 2 Peter 3:15-16 NIV

If Peter resented Paul for rebuking him he would not have been able to speak well of him afterwards. This was not the case. Peter accepted discipline. Peter repented. If we ignore God’s rebukes we will lose in the short and long run. But if we hang in there no matter how hot the furnace gets we will be molded into who God wants us to be, yeilding the peaceful fruit of righteousness. This is the gift of those who have been trained by God’s discipline.

ENCOURAGE

Who doesn’t need Encouragement? I looked up the Greek definition for the word Encourage in 2 Timothy 4:2 and I saw words like, “To beg, to strive to appease by entreaty, to comfort, strengthen, to console, beseech, to call near, invite, instruct,” etcetera. Yes, Encouragement is all of that and then some. Often correction and rebukes aren’t really necessary, only Encouragement is. Encouragement can be a milder form of correction and is a lot milder than a rebuke. We all need good encouraging words. They give us strength and comfort. I believe these kinds of words should be given as often as possible. To people in the faith and outside. People hear so much negativity these days. How good to be a person who spreads encouraging words that lift people up. Are you and I in the habit of speaking encouragement? Or do we just correct others all the time?

“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37 NIV

Jesus says how we use our words is a serious matter. Hence I’d like to share with you something I believe I received from the Lord:

•Always give Encouragement

•Give correction sometimes only when necessary

•Give a rebuke only when absolutely necessary

•Be prayerful and cautious about how to do all 3

•And be willing to accept all 3

I believe Encouragement should be what we do the most. Uplifting one another should become a habit.

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Proverbs 25:11 KJV

Let me say this in conclusion: though we know God’s word says at times it is necessary to correct each other, sometimes it’s best to just let things go and cover over each other’s faults and sins. Sometimes all we’re supposed to do is pray for one another. These scriptures explain that better:

“If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that.” 1 John 5:16 NIV

“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11 NIV

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 NIV

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“For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly.” 2 Peter 2:4-5 KJV

God’s word says there are angels that sinned and were thrown down to hell in chains of darkness. And they are there reserved for another judgment from God! Notice in the same context of Scripture the destruction of the ancient world in Noah’s day by the flood is mentioned. Interestingly that’s when the angel’s sinned. Let’s see what these spirits did in the days of Noah. And are there any other references of them found in scripture.

GENESIS CHAPTER 6

“And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, That THE SONS OF GOD SAW THAT THE DAUGHTERS OF MEN THAT THEY WERE FAIR; AND THEY TOOK THEM WIVES OF ALL WHICH THEY CHOSE. And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when THE SONS OF GOD CAME IN UNTO THE DAUGHTERS OF MEN, AND THEY BARE CHILDREN TO THEM, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” Genesis 6:1-8 KJV

Yes, you read right, the sons of God, spirits or angels, came to earth and had sexual relations with women. They did this with any they chose. These women also had children by them who were the old powerful men of fame and renown. They were the celebrities of their day. They were also bullies and tyrants in the earth. In fact the world got so bad as a result of what these angels did and their hybrid offspring that God decided to wipe out everybody. That is everyone except Noah and his family.

Are there any other references in the Bible of these imprisoned spirits? There sure is:

“And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.” Jude 1:6 KJV

There it is again in the Bible book of Jude. These spirits left (voluntarily) their first estate or home in heaven. The only place where we see in God’s word that this happened is in Genesis chapter 6 when the sons of God came to earth and had sex with women. And Jude 1:6 is talking about the same angels mentioned in 2 Peter 2:4. Compare the verses:

“For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment.” 2 Peter 2:4 KJV

The scriptures match perfectly. Jude 1:6 though gives us further insight into what they did: “And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation [heaven].” And Genesis chapter 6 gives us more details as to what they did when they left heaven. They came to earth, had sex with women, and brought about a very wicked hybrid offspring that polluted the earth.

As already stated these angels that sinned in this way were put in everlasting chains of darkness, and cast into hell, where they are awaiting another judgment of God. Are there any other references made of these imprisoned spirits in God’s word? There sure is:

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits—to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water.” 1 Peter 3:18-20 NIV

There are those imprisoned spirits again. And this text in 1 Peter 3 confirms that their disobedience occured in the days of Noah, matching up perfectly with what Genesis chapter 6 says happened.

SO WHO ARE THESE GUYS?

“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and HIS ANGELS WERE CAST OUT WITH HIM.” Revelation 12:7-9 KJV

The Bible says Satan and these angels were cast out of heaven by Michael and his angels after they lost a war in heaven. They didn’t leave their estate or heavenly home voluntarily like the spirits that sinned in Noah’s day. There is a distinct difference between leaving a place, and being kicked out of it. Also the imprisoned spirits we’ve been talking about are said to be in hell, in chains of darkness. The wicked spirits mentioned in Revelation chapter 12 were cast out into the earth or among mankind. One set of angels lost their home because they left it voluntarily and sinned with women in Noah’s day. Another set of angels lose their home by being kicked out of heaven after being defeated by Michael and his angels. Are you seeing it? These are two different sets of rebellious angels. Some are in prison, in hell, in chains of darkness. And the others are cast out into the earth among mankind.

How interesting it is that Jesus said when He returns it will be the same way it was in Noah’s day. And how interesting that you had evil spirits doing things they shouldn’t be doing on earth then just as you have deceiving spirits doing things they shouldn’t be doing on earth at the return of Christ. So much material has been produced about fallen angels, Nephilim, giants, hybrids, etcetera. And I’m not saying none of it is useful for godly teaching. Lots of it is. Only let’s make sure we don’t miss why Jesus warned that His return will be like it was in the days of Noah:

“When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes. “Two men will be working together in the field; one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding flour at the mill; one will be taken, the other left. “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected. “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants and feeding them. If the master returns and finds that the servant has done a good job, there will be a reward. I tell you the truth, the master will put that servant in charge of all he owns. But what if the servant is evil and thinks, ‘My master won’t be back for a while,’ and he begins beating the other servants, partying, and getting drunk? The master will return unannounced and unexpected, and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 24:37-51 NLT

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“Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:16-20 KJV

Are we any different than Jesus’ early disciples? Do we not doubt too sometimes? Fear of being wrong, fear of men, and other fears sometimes creep in. Let’s not pretend it doesn’t happen. None of us is a powerhouse of faith 24/7 365 days of the year. But if we do not give up in the good fight of faith we eventually gird up our loins and do what the master commands. Jesus commands us to, “Go;” and make disciples of all the nations. To teach them everything He has commanded us to do. Collectively as Christ’s church; his body of believers, this is being done.

Though we are not to throw pearls to swine (Matthew 7:6) nor correct mockers (Proverbs 9:7-9) we are to instruct wise people who will be able to teach others. (2 Timothy 2:2) There are many open doors to do this great work. One of them is the internet. Brothers and sisters are teaching and spreading God’s truth through videos, chat rooms, blogs, email, etcetera. Many are FEARLESSLY spreading the gospel this way. We know there’s a lot of junk on the internet. But we don’t have to be a part of that. We can be one of the true few that are making an impact for God’s kingdom by teaching and spreading the truth through this medium.

FEAR OF MAN

““And I say to you, My friends, don’t fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more. But I will show you the One to fear: Fear Him who has authority to throw people into hell after death. Yes, I say to you, this is the One to fear! Aren’t five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. Indeed, the hairs of your head are all counted. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows!” Luke 12:4-7 HCSB

Telling the God honest truth will not make us popular. Lying will. But speaking God’s message truthfully pleases Him. The man or woman who does this has the King Of Kings as their Father and friend. To fearlessly tell the truth in the face of growing opposition is not something you and I can do alone. We need God’s Spirit. Pray to Him for His Spirit to help us fearlessly proclaim the gospel. The apostle Paul knew this and even asked others to pray for Him; that he would boldly speak God’s message:

“Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known WITH BOLDNESS the mystery of the gospel.” Ephesians 6:19 HCSB

Today there are constant threats being made towards those who don’t agree with the direction the world is going in. Simply not agreeing with the world’s views on sex, science, and other things can cause one to lose employment, go to prison, and even lead to death. But guess what? In all these things we are more than conquerors!

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:35-39 KJV

“The one who is victorious and keeps My works to the end: I will give him authority over the nations — and he will shepherd, them with an iron scepter; he will shatter them like pottery, — just as I have received this from My Father. I will also give him the morning star. “Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 2:26-29 HCSB

We must speak and teach God’s truth no matter how unpopular it is. Many lives are at stake. And our eternal reward is too great to throw away because of fear of man.

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“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16‭-18 NLT

There’s always something to be joyful about, prayerful about, and thankful about. This is God’s will for us who belong to Jesus. How cool. Following this next verse will help us stay in a joyful, prayerful, thankful frame of mind:

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8 KJV

God tells us to, “think on these things:” honest things, pure things, true things, etcetera. That means we have the power to choose our thoughts. Yes, we have lots of control over what goes on in our minds. Our brain is very powerful. God created it such. We don’t have to walk around depressed, miserable, and hopeless. We can have an abundant joyful life even in this wicked world. We just have to change the way we think.

JESUS THE GREAT PHYSICIAN

“From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 KJV

Did you know that the definition of the Greek word for, “Repent,” in Matthew 4:17 means to change one’s mind for the better? It also means to make amends with abhorrence for one’s past sins, to think differently. I know people personally who have done this and have experienced for myself that until you do this you cannot have a joyful, thankful, state of mind. Yes, your spiritual and mental health is connected to you being honest about your past. This includes being truthful about morally wrong decisions.

Whenever a person obeys Jesus’ message to repent they are healed on the inside. They become a new person. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Their entire outlook on life changes. That’s what the word “Repent” means; to change your way of thinking. But it also includes abhorring one’s past sins. When people repent they can admit their former deeds that offended Almighty God. They’re not proud of them but they don’t sugarcoat them either. This affects the soul in a most positive way. When we sincerely pray to God asking Him for forgiveness He let’s us know that ALL OF OUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN. When we come to God and our desire to repent is real, he also accepts us into His family. We’re adopted as children of God. (Colossians 1:13-14 Ephesians 1:5-8) Now that the barrier (sin) has been removed the believer in God through Jesus Christ has direct access to Him! God is the source of all Joy! And believers in Him are connected directly to the source! People can get happy about one thing or another. But only God gives lasting joy to His children. Joy is a fruit of God’s Holy Spirit:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 KJV

And who gets God’s Holy Spirit?

“We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” Acts 5:32 NIV

Are we starting to see the picture? Since God gives His Spirit to those who obey him, and since Joy (and many other good things) is the product of the Holy Spirit, all we must do is make it our goal to obey God. In doing so we will receive His Spirit, His JOY (and many other good things). This doesn’t mean we won’t have problems in life. Jesus plainly said we would:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV

When you belong to Jesus you can still have joy even in the midst of your troubles, yes! How is that so? Because you don’t think the same way you use to when you were without Christ. Your whole outlook is changed. God’s children learn not to focus so much on their troubles. Jesus teaches us how to focus on what our trials mean:

“BLESSED are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. “BLESSED ARE YOU when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. REJOICE AND BE GLAD, because GREAT IS YOUR REWARD IN HEAVEN, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:10-12 NIV

“CONSIDER IT PURE JOY, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be MATURE AND COMPLETE, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 NIV

People who TRULY follow Jesus teachings are not nut cases. They are some of the most stable people in the world. Would you call somebody crazy who treats you with the same dignity and respect they want to be treated with? (Luke 6:31) Maybe you would call someone nuts who is taught to love their enemies and actually does it. (Luke 6:32-36) But if you interviewed a slew of them and found out how much drama they avoid, and how many health problems they are free from that are caused by stress, and holding grudges, you might change your mind.

God’s formula for lasting Joy and peace remains. It is found in Jesus Christ. If you have already found Him (or more correctly He allowed you to find Him) obey Him as ruler and keep experiencing His Joy.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV

Lastly let me say this: there’s the misconception that having joy means you walk around with a smile on your face all the time. And the word, “Jesus,” comes out of your mouth every 5 minutes. That’s not what God’s joy means. The joy described in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 means to be glad, to be well, to rejoice exceedingly, to thrive​. It is a calm happiness. It means to be spiritually well off.

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“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5-8 NIV

When we study the passage above hopefully we see there is no room for complacency. Though faith is so important that no one can please God without it (Hebrews 11:6), faith is one of the steps on our journey with God.

“So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in god. You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.” Hebrews 6:1-3 NLT

It is God’s will that all of his children, “Move forward to further understanding.” God knows better than anyone that growth takes time. So if you see areas in your life where you need to improve​ (all of us should) don’t fret. It is good that you want to please God. If we do not give up we will eventually become the people God is molding us to be.

ADD TO YOUR FAITH GOODNESS

It takes no effort at all to be bad, but it takes discipline to do what is good. In reality no one is truly good, only God is. (Luke 18:19) But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t​ imitate God’s goodness. When I think of the goodness of God this profound verse comes to mind:

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matthew 5:43-48 KJV

ADD TO YOUR GOODNESS KNOWLEDGE

God tells us to add to our goodness knowledge. This is a deeper understanding of our Father. Hence we must study God’s word. In it we see just who God is, and who we are. He also shows us how to please Him and benefit ourselves. Because the truth is like a light that gets​ brighter and brighter our study of God’s word is a lifelong process:

“The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” Proverbs 4:18 NIV

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105 NIV

Be sure to set aside time each day (if just a few minutes is all you have) to study our Father’s word and add to your goodness knowledge.

ADD TO YOUR KNOWLEDGE SELF-CONTROL

In today’s society everybody is trying to control someone else. Self-control is not popular. But it is a must to live the life of faith. A person with self-control learns to master his/her passions and desires, especially their sensual appetites. They have desires just like everyone else. But they are brought under the control of the Holy Spirit.

“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.” 1 Peter 2:11 NIV

“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.” Galatians 5:16-17 KJV

People with self-control are not slaves to their sinful cravings. SIn is not their master. They mess up sometimes. But they get back up. People with self-control when provoked to anger give gentle answers like this next verse says:

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 NIV

ADD TO YOUR SELF-CONTROL PERSEVERANCE

One who has perseverence is said to have steadfastness, or stick-to-it-iveness. Perseverence in the faith means unswerving loyalty to God no matter what trial we are going through. And who is the greatest example of this? Hence the next passage:

“Fixing our eyes on JESUS, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:2-3 NIV

“For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” 1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV

Having perseverance doesn’t mean we only bear our trials, or just learn to put up with them. Perseverance means we learn to bear temptations the way Jesus did, following His example.

ADD TO YOUR PERSEVERANCE GODLINESS

Godliness is having very deep respect, awe, or reverence for our God. How could we not revere Him? He made the heavens and the earth and all that is in them! Pondering God’s greatness will keep us in awe of Him. He is the only person deserving of such. Being pious toward God is healthy. Meditating on his goodness warms the heart.

“I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God? Psalm 77:11-13 KJV

ADD TO YOUR GODLINESS MUTUAL AFFECTION

Another way to describe mutual affection is brotherly love and kindness. There’s a special bond we have with our spiritual siblings.

“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10 KJV

Shouldn’t we love fellow believers in Christ? Are we treating them like this?

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NLT

ADD TO YOUR MUTUAL AFFECTION LOVE

God is not redundant when he says to add to our mutual affection love. Remember, love is the greatest commandment:

“Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The LORD our God is the one and only LORD. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31 NLT

“You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” Now that’s some love. But didn’t God show this kind of love for us when He created us? When He gave His only begotten son to die for our sins? (John 3:16) Are we loving God like we should when we fill our hearts, souls, and minds with junk on TV? Or with wicked music? Is all of our strength and energy focussed toward showing love for God?

Jesus also said we must love our neighbors as ourselves. That means loving everyone. A simple way to sum this command up is with something else Jesus said:

“Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” Luke 6:31 NLT

As Jesus said, “There is no commandment greater than these.”

There are great benefits in adding all of the above mentioned virtues to our faith:

“For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:8 NIV

Please share this with a friend