"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 brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
Matthew 5:46-48
I think that most of us would agree that we love our families and friends. There may be times when they seem a little unlovable, but when it comes down to it, we love them and will walk with them through both times of fire and times of joy. There are many unbelieving people who do this, too. Fathers love their children, mothers love their children, husbands love wives, wives love husbands etc. This kind of love is common among all people. We say that we love the brothers and sisters in the church as well. We greet them with hugs and warm hand shakes. We smile when we see them. But Jesus made it clear that even non-believing people do these things. They love their family and friends. It's our nature. But what must set us apart from the rest of the world is our love for those who don't love us back.
Jesus spent much time talking to us about loving our neighbors and our enemies. This is where it gets difficult. I have a tree in my back yard that is extremely large. It grows prolifically and sometimes encroaches on my neighbor's side of the fence. Several times, he has made the trip to my door to remind me that the tree is getting out of hand. We are cordial when we talk, but I have found it difficult to love this person. Other neighbors have trees that encroach on my side of the fence, but I don't bother them with it. I simply cut back the branches. So why does this neighbor need to be so difficult? The problem is not him, it's me. I have no reason to expect that he will love me, but I need to love him. This will be the greatest witness of God's love that he may ever see. I have the responsibility to love him. In this is found the perfection that God requires of us.
I don't have the space to write about all the times I have shouted at the other drivers through closed car windows, or the times I have said dishonoring things about other people. These are shameful and I resist talking about them. I know that I am not the only one who deals with these things. We are all guilty from time to time. But God has been speaking to me relentlessly about my need to change. You see, I have allowed these kinds of behaviors to reign in my life for a very long time. Getting rid of them is difficult. But when I confess and repent, the Holy Spirit is there to remind me of my new resolve to love my enemies.
I am confident that many can relate to my story. The way we can find perfection like God, is to love our enemies. Why? Because God does. Let me be clear, we will never be like God. He is absolutely perfect, we are not. But in this area, we have been empowered to love perfectly as God does. But we have to make a choice. Every time the driver cuts us off, every time the neighbor complains, we decide whether to love them or not. It seems like such a simple and small thing, but it is one of the measuring rods God uses to judge. Let's resolve to be people who honor God, follow Christ's example, and live lives of love for others, regardless of whether they are friends or enemies. We can be perfect, but it takes a conscious effort. God will remember, for this is perfection to him.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Empty Promises
"For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power."
1 Corinthians 1:17
There is one great truth that separates Christianity from all other religions, doctrines, wisdom, and teaching. This truth is the fact that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, ascending to the right hand of the Father. The power of the cross is beyond what we can comprehend or even imagine. It is time that we as Christians, begin to put full confidence in the cross of Christ and what it has accomplished in our lives. All other teachings, including the wisdom of the world must be removed from our thinking. This wisdom that does not come from God is nothing more than empty promises. We will never gain any eternal value through living by this kind of wisdom.
You know some of the teachings of the world. Some of them are so deep set in us that we forget that they really are worldly things. Statements like: "Pull yourself up by your own bootstraps" are opposed to the power of the cross. "God helps those who help themselves" is contrary to the Word of God. "The one with the most toys, wins" promotes a selfish life that will come to nothing in the end. These are but a few of the things that have made their way into our thinking. It has to change.
The cross of Christ is powerful. There is no way that it can ever lose its power. The only way we can forfeit this power is to speak and live by the wisdom of the world. The cross is the centerpiece of the restoration of God's kingdom that Jesus accomplished through his incarnation and victory over the enemy. We must learn to live according to the power of the cross and the principles of God's kingdom instead of the worldly teachings that are relentlessly pounded into our intellect. All we need do is look at the lives of those who lived by faith as recorded in the Bible. They did things that completely opposed human thinking. They sacrificed their homes, their ways of life, their bodies, their wealth, their reputations and more to follow the ways of the kingdom. Christians are not supposed to exist within the culture of the world, we are to CHANGE the culture of the world!
Is the cross emptied of its power in your life? have you chosen to live by the standards of the world instead of the way of the cross? Have you compromised the power of the cross by watering it down with the wisdom of the world? These are things that can be corrected. It takes confession before God, repentance and willingness to change, and a faithful heart that will passionately seek after God and his kingdom. With all confidence I can tell you that the wisdom of the world will empty the cross of its power in your life. If you eliminate this worldly wisdom, the cross and the work of Christ will manifest in glorious victory. The ways of the world will become poison to your life and the ways of God will be like the sweet fragrance of heaven. So give up the empty promises of the world and receive the truth of the power of the cross!
1 Corinthians 1:17
There is one great truth that separates Christianity from all other religions, doctrines, wisdom, and teaching. This truth is the fact that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, ascending to the right hand of the Father. The power of the cross is beyond what we can comprehend or even imagine. It is time that we as Christians, begin to put full confidence in the cross of Christ and what it has accomplished in our lives. All other teachings, including the wisdom of the world must be removed from our thinking. This wisdom that does not come from God is nothing more than empty promises. We will never gain any eternal value through living by this kind of wisdom.
You know some of the teachings of the world. Some of them are so deep set in us that we forget that they really are worldly things. Statements like: "Pull yourself up by your own bootstraps" are opposed to the power of the cross. "God helps those who help themselves" is contrary to the Word of God. "The one with the most toys, wins" promotes a selfish life that will come to nothing in the end. These are but a few of the things that have made their way into our thinking. It has to change.
The cross of Christ is powerful. There is no way that it can ever lose its power. The only way we can forfeit this power is to speak and live by the wisdom of the world. The cross is the centerpiece of the restoration of God's kingdom that Jesus accomplished through his incarnation and victory over the enemy. We must learn to live according to the power of the cross and the principles of God's kingdom instead of the worldly teachings that are relentlessly pounded into our intellect. All we need do is look at the lives of those who lived by faith as recorded in the Bible. They did things that completely opposed human thinking. They sacrificed their homes, their ways of life, their bodies, their wealth, their reputations and more to follow the ways of the kingdom. Christians are not supposed to exist within the culture of the world, we are to CHANGE the culture of the world!
Is the cross emptied of its power in your life? have you chosen to live by the standards of the world instead of the way of the cross? Have you compromised the power of the cross by watering it down with the wisdom of the world? These are things that can be corrected. It takes confession before God, repentance and willingness to change, and a faithful heart that will passionately seek after God and his kingdom. With all confidence I can tell you that the wisdom of the world will empty the cross of its power in your life. If you eliminate this worldly wisdom, the cross and the work of Christ will manifest in glorious victory. The ways of the world will become poison to your life and the ways of God will be like the sweet fragrance of heaven. So give up the empty promises of the world and receive the truth of the power of the cross!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
What Have You Done Lately?
"Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done."
Revelation 20:11&12
I have never been a teacher of religion. We simply cannot earn favor with God by what we do. The only way to the Father is through Jesus Christ, his Son. We know this to be true. If eternity could be gained by good deeds and religious service, none of us would have a chance. We fall far short of the perfection God requires. Our guarantee of eternal life is found only in receiving the work of Christ on the cross as our sacrificed Lamb, resurrected and ascended to the right hand of the Father.
This scripture reminds us that we will all be judged based on what we do. Notice that there are two books listed in the scripture above. The Book of Life is all important. Those whose names are found there enter into God's heavenly kingdom. Those who are not, are destined for eternal fire. But both will be judged on what they have done, their good or bad deeds. It is interesting that there is no reference made to different judgements. Those in the Book of Life and those who are not, still must face the judgement of God concerning their deeds.
You see, God is holy. He is compelled by his own holiness to judge all people. No one will be spared the judgement of God. But those who are righteous because of the blood of Jesus will be saved. When we stand before our holy God, we will only be able to say, "It is by the blood of your Son that we stand in righteousness before you." But still, there is the matter of our deeds.
I believe the deeds that God will judge are based on the things that Jesus taught. He will ask these questions: Did you love your neighbor as yourself? Did you love your enemies? Did you treat others as the Good Samaritan treated the wounded traveler? Husbands, did you love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her? Did you do to others as you would have them do to you? These are simple things, but they are important to God. I think those who will receive the greatest rewards in heaven will be the ones who least expect it. Those humble people are the ones with a generous, giving heart, who do these things without thinking. It is not about how well we speak or how many times we go to church, it is about the simple kindnesses Jesus asks us to display.
Do some self-examination. Consider your salvation and thank God for it, but consider what you have done with the great salvation you have been given. Ask yourself the questions. Thank him for his grace, but commit yourself to fulfill the words of Christ. All will be judged. Make yourself ready.
Revelation 20:11&12
I have never been a teacher of religion. We simply cannot earn favor with God by what we do. The only way to the Father is through Jesus Christ, his Son. We know this to be true. If eternity could be gained by good deeds and religious service, none of us would have a chance. We fall far short of the perfection God requires. Our guarantee of eternal life is found only in receiving the work of Christ on the cross as our sacrificed Lamb, resurrected and ascended to the right hand of the Father.
This scripture reminds us that we will all be judged based on what we do. Notice that there are two books listed in the scripture above. The Book of Life is all important. Those whose names are found there enter into God's heavenly kingdom. Those who are not, are destined for eternal fire. But both will be judged on what they have done, their good or bad deeds. It is interesting that there is no reference made to different judgements. Those in the Book of Life and those who are not, still must face the judgement of God concerning their deeds.
You see, God is holy. He is compelled by his own holiness to judge all people. No one will be spared the judgement of God. But those who are righteous because of the blood of Jesus will be saved. When we stand before our holy God, we will only be able to say, "It is by the blood of your Son that we stand in righteousness before you." But still, there is the matter of our deeds.
I believe the deeds that God will judge are based on the things that Jesus taught. He will ask these questions: Did you love your neighbor as yourself? Did you love your enemies? Did you treat others as the Good Samaritan treated the wounded traveler? Husbands, did you love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her? Did you do to others as you would have them do to you? These are simple things, but they are important to God. I think those who will receive the greatest rewards in heaven will be the ones who least expect it. Those humble people are the ones with a generous, giving heart, who do these things without thinking. It is not about how well we speak or how many times we go to church, it is about the simple kindnesses Jesus asks us to display.
Do some self-examination. Consider your salvation and thank God for it, but consider what you have done with the great salvation you have been given. Ask yourself the questions. Thank him for his grace, but commit yourself to fulfill the words of Christ. All will be judged. Make yourself ready.
Monday, July 9, 2012
A Proclamation
"I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips as you know, O Lord. I do not hide your righteousness in my heart. I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly."
Psalm 40:9&10
At one time, I got involved in a multilevel marketing company. We sold nutritional products that were highly regarded as some of the best manufactured. My wife and I attended several sales training sessions. I remember one speaker who talked about how to share with others about the product. One of the foundations of the company was the telling of stories; how the products had helped us. As the speaker made his point he asked, "Wouldn't you want to tell someone about a great movie you had seen, or a great book you had read?" Well of course we would. His point was, you could honestly tell others about a product you have used that actually helped you. In fact, you would want to, so they could see the same results. I wonder if we Christians need to learn this? We have the greatest news the world will ever hear. Shouldn't we be telling others?
Some Christians are great at selling religion. They tell others about how they live; not doing certain things that may be harmful, and doing things that are beneficial. This is the propagation of rules. Although these certainly are important things to living a healthy spiritual life, this misses the point. The good news is the story of Jesus and what he has done for us. Over a thousand years before the birth of Christ, the Psalmists, David knew that the proclamation of the glory of God was absolutely essential.
We cannot be silent about our wonderful God. We must, like David declare his righteousness, his faithfulness, his salvation, and his love. These are the things that will cause people to want a relationship with God. There is nowhere else that they can find such a complete salvation. The key is to look at ourselves. It is critical for us to examine our own lives from time to time. It is important to remember from what depths we were rescued. When we do, we see that God's righteousness has saved us, his faithfulness has never let us down, his salvation has granted us eternal life, and his love sustains us through everything we face. How great is the Father's love for us! When we are excited about how God has changed our lives, we will want to tell others about it. Revelation 12:11 says, "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony." We know that the blood of Jesus has set us free and given us eternal life. This is a fact. But people need to see how God has changed our lives. What did God deliver you from? What has changed in your life since you came to Christ? This is what we share with the world.
I encourage you to not be silent any longer. These are the days of the great harvest. God is going to use us to draw many to him. You don't have to be a theologian. You don't have to be a preacher. All you need is Christ in your life and a testimony about what he has done for you. You may think that you will never have a hand in changing the world, but this one thing will change the world. It will mean eternal life for those who hear and obey God. It will mean that God's kingdom is closer to the earth. This is world-changing, and you can be a part of it. Simply make some proclamations!
Psalm 40:9&10
At one time, I got involved in a multilevel marketing company. We sold nutritional products that were highly regarded as some of the best manufactured. My wife and I attended several sales training sessions. I remember one speaker who talked about how to share with others about the product. One of the foundations of the company was the telling of stories; how the products had helped us. As the speaker made his point he asked, "Wouldn't you want to tell someone about a great movie you had seen, or a great book you had read?" Well of course we would. His point was, you could honestly tell others about a product you have used that actually helped you. In fact, you would want to, so they could see the same results. I wonder if we Christians need to learn this? We have the greatest news the world will ever hear. Shouldn't we be telling others?
Some Christians are great at selling religion. They tell others about how they live; not doing certain things that may be harmful, and doing things that are beneficial. This is the propagation of rules. Although these certainly are important things to living a healthy spiritual life, this misses the point. The good news is the story of Jesus and what he has done for us. Over a thousand years before the birth of Christ, the Psalmists, David knew that the proclamation of the glory of God was absolutely essential.
We cannot be silent about our wonderful God. We must, like David declare his righteousness, his faithfulness, his salvation, and his love. These are the things that will cause people to want a relationship with God. There is nowhere else that they can find such a complete salvation. The key is to look at ourselves. It is critical for us to examine our own lives from time to time. It is important to remember from what depths we were rescued. When we do, we see that God's righteousness has saved us, his faithfulness has never let us down, his salvation has granted us eternal life, and his love sustains us through everything we face. How great is the Father's love for us! When we are excited about how God has changed our lives, we will want to tell others about it. Revelation 12:11 says, "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony." We know that the blood of Jesus has set us free and given us eternal life. This is a fact. But people need to see how God has changed our lives. What did God deliver you from? What has changed in your life since you came to Christ? This is what we share with the world.
I encourage you to not be silent any longer. These are the days of the great harvest. God is going to use us to draw many to him. You don't have to be a theologian. You don't have to be a preacher. All you need is Christ in your life and a testimony about what he has done for you. You may think that you will never have a hand in changing the world, but this one thing will change the world. It will mean eternal life for those who hear and obey God. It will mean that God's kingdom is closer to the earth. This is world-changing, and you can be a part of it. Simply make some proclamations!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
The Key of David
"These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
Revelation 3:7&8
In the second and third chapters of the book of Revelation, there are letters written to seven churches. The apostle John recorded the letters as he heard them uttered by Jesus himself. John was on the island of Patmos when he received the Revelation. he saw Jesus who told him what to write to each of the churches. The scripture above is from the letter written to the church at Philadelphia. I believe these words apply to us as we walk on the Christian journey of life.
No one really knows what the "Key of David" is. This phrase only appears this one time in the Bible. Although we don't know exactly what is meant by the phrase, we can deduce that it refers to the fact that Jesus holds the keys to doors that only he can open and shut. These things concern our future, our destinies. Only God knows the future and only he has written our destinies. Although we may try to kick open doors in our own way, it never really quite works. God's will for us is unstoppable. He always brings us to a place where he has an open door for us to go through and he keeps us from kicking open doors that he has closed.
Although we may be as one who has little strength, we are still able to walk through the doors that God opens for us. In fact, I receive this scripture as a direct word to me from God himself. By faith I know that there is a door standing wide open that God has placed in front of me. I have tried many of the closed doors and they will not open, because I do not hold the key, Jesus does. I may not see the open door because I am looking for something else. I may not see the door because I don't want to go where it may lead me. But the reality remains that God has opened a door for me and in order to walk in his will, I must go through the door.
If you have little strength, if you are wondering where the open door is, if you have tried every door and all seem closed, then this scripture is for you. This word from God is pointed toward you. Don't worry about your future, for God has it in his hands. Don't be concerned when every door seems closed, for God has an open one waiting for you. The only key that you have is the key of faithfulness. If you remain faithful to God, he will direct you to the door. Please don't waste your life pounding on doors that will never open. Go where God leads and walk through, into the place he has prepared. Remember, he holds the Key of David. He opens and closes doors. There is no person, including you, who can open what he has shut, or can shut what he has opened. Trust him, ask him where the door is, and walk through it. He is faithful to you, be faithful in your pursuit of him.
Revelation 3:7&8
In the second and third chapters of the book of Revelation, there are letters written to seven churches. The apostle John recorded the letters as he heard them uttered by Jesus himself. John was on the island of Patmos when he received the Revelation. he saw Jesus who told him what to write to each of the churches. The scripture above is from the letter written to the church at Philadelphia. I believe these words apply to us as we walk on the Christian journey of life.
No one really knows what the "Key of David" is. This phrase only appears this one time in the Bible. Although we don't know exactly what is meant by the phrase, we can deduce that it refers to the fact that Jesus holds the keys to doors that only he can open and shut. These things concern our future, our destinies. Only God knows the future and only he has written our destinies. Although we may try to kick open doors in our own way, it never really quite works. God's will for us is unstoppable. He always brings us to a place where he has an open door for us to go through and he keeps us from kicking open doors that he has closed.
Although we may be as one who has little strength, we are still able to walk through the doors that God opens for us. In fact, I receive this scripture as a direct word to me from God himself. By faith I know that there is a door standing wide open that God has placed in front of me. I have tried many of the closed doors and they will not open, because I do not hold the key, Jesus does. I may not see the open door because I am looking for something else. I may not see the door because I don't want to go where it may lead me. But the reality remains that God has opened a door for me and in order to walk in his will, I must go through the door.
If you have little strength, if you are wondering where the open door is, if you have tried every door and all seem closed, then this scripture is for you. This word from God is pointed toward you. Don't worry about your future, for God has it in his hands. Don't be concerned when every door seems closed, for God has an open one waiting for you. The only key that you have is the key of faithfulness. If you remain faithful to God, he will direct you to the door. Please don't waste your life pounding on doors that will never open. Go where God leads and walk through, into the place he has prepared. Remember, he holds the Key of David. He opens and closes doors. There is no person, including you, who can open what he has shut, or can shut what he has opened. Trust him, ask him where the door is, and walk through it. He is faithful to you, be faithful in your pursuit of him.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
A Blessing
"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well."
3 John 2
All through the Bible, we find that blessings are very important. In the Old Testament, blessings were always pronounced on children and grandchildren as one neared death. God pronounced many blessings throughout his Word. God is a God of blessing. He wants to bless his children and he sometimes uses us to pronounce those blessings for him.
The scripture above was written by the apostle John. He was very close to Jesus and had insights into the life of Christ that no one else had. I believe that while he walked with Jesus, he learned the importance of pronouncing blessings. In this verse, John is pronouncing a blessing over the health of a man named Gaius, to whom the letter was written. When John wrote, he was declaring that his friend's health would be blessed as much as his spirit had already been blessed. He was speaking a blessing that said, "I am believing that your health is going to prosper even as your soul, your spirit, has already prospered." He knew that the same God who transforms our souls is fully capable of transforming our sickly bodies to be in good health.
John made it clear that he was praying for his friend. The blessing he pronounced was a direct result of the prayers he had uttered many times. All this can only happen when one person genuinely loves another. To pray for someone out of love holds great power in the kingdom of God. John did not use phrases like, "I hope," or "I want." No. He said, "I pray..." There is no greater love than to honestly give up your time and your agenda to pray for a friend. More is accomplished in a person's life through prayer than we will ever know in this lifetime. But eternity will tell the story of those who were changed simply because someone prayed for them and blessed them in the name of Jesus.
It seems simple, and it is.Praying for someone and blessing them is a simple thing to do, but it cannot be done with only a passing thought. It takes a genuine love for someone, a heart for God, and a desire to see the best God has for a person. Let's start thinking of others, praying for them, and then blessing them because of our love for them. It is easy to get caught up in our own world. Our prayers are often dominated by our own needs. But when we begin to look outside ourselves and develop God's heart for others, our prayers change. Pray for those you love. Bless them in the name of Jesus. Eternity will be changed because of one act of selflessness. And just think, someone is praying for you, too.
3 John 2
All through the Bible, we find that blessings are very important. In the Old Testament, blessings were always pronounced on children and grandchildren as one neared death. God pronounced many blessings throughout his Word. God is a God of blessing. He wants to bless his children and he sometimes uses us to pronounce those blessings for him.
The scripture above was written by the apostle John. He was very close to Jesus and had insights into the life of Christ that no one else had. I believe that while he walked with Jesus, he learned the importance of pronouncing blessings. In this verse, John is pronouncing a blessing over the health of a man named Gaius, to whom the letter was written. When John wrote, he was declaring that his friend's health would be blessed as much as his spirit had already been blessed. He was speaking a blessing that said, "I am believing that your health is going to prosper even as your soul, your spirit, has already prospered." He knew that the same God who transforms our souls is fully capable of transforming our sickly bodies to be in good health.
John made it clear that he was praying for his friend. The blessing he pronounced was a direct result of the prayers he had uttered many times. All this can only happen when one person genuinely loves another. To pray for someone out of love holds great power in the kingdom of God. John did not use phrases like, "I hope," or "I want." No. He said, "I pray..." There is no greater love than to honestly give up your time and your agenda to pray for a friend. More is accomplished in a person's life through prayer than we will ever know in this lifetime. But eternity will tell the story of those who were changed simply because someone prayed for them and blessed them in the name of Jesus.
It seems simple, and it is.Praying for someone and blessing them is a simple thing to do, but it cannot be done with only a passing thought. It takes a genuine love for someone, a heart for God, and a desire to see the best God has for a person. Let's start thinking of others, praying for them, and then blessing them because of our love for them. It is easy to get caught up in our own world. Our prayers are often dominated by our own needs. But when we begin to look outside ourselves and develop God's heart for others, our prayers change. Pray for those you love. Bless them in the name of Jesus. Eternity will be changed because of one act of selflessness. And just think, someone is praying for you, too.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Rejoicing with Others
"We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests."
Psalm 20:5
King David, the man after God's own heart, wrote these words. He was a man who had faults. He fell into sin and suffered hardships because of it. But still he was a great man of character. No other Bible character has been given the respect David received. There are many stories about David. We have good insight into his life. But the Psalms he wrote give us insight into his character. Through the Psalms, we gain insight into why he would be called 'a man after God's own heart.'
This is one of my favorite passages in the Psalms. David is declaring that he will rejoice with others who are rejoicing. This is an important part of the Christian life and David modeled it for us. The statement he made is absolutely genuine. No one made him write this, it was in his heart. He was saying that he and those around him would be genuinely excited for the one who would be victorious. They would rejoice with them and praise God because of the victory in their lives. I wonder if we feel the same way when we think of other Christians?
When others gain victory, do we rejoice with them? Are we excited to see our brothers and sisters succeed, even though we may be struggling? Sometimes we look at the successes of others, and instead of rejoicing with them, we say things like: "Why doesn't that happen to me?" or "I wish I had what they do." These responses come from the old nature that has been defeated within us. These responses are the kinds of things that the world says. Jealousy and envy have no place among the people of God. Instead, like David we are to rejoice with others who are victorious. Our response will either be a fruit of the Spirit or a worldly jealousy.
Since David was a man after God's heart, we ought to imitate him. We ought to respond in the same way he did. When others prosper, succeed, or gain a great victory, we ought to rejoice with them because they are sons and daughters of God, members of the same family. Our response is an indicator of our relationship with God. You see, if the Holy Spirit is living in us and we are cooperating with him, the fruit of the Spirit will be a normal part of our lives. We will respond with joy and kindness when others succeed. These responses are born out of a heart that genuinely loves and honors others. Whether they are friends, acquaintances or people you barely know, your response says more about you than you can imagine. Don't be distraught if you have responded negatively, simply ask God to give you a heart like David's and rejoice with those who are rejoicing.
Psalm 20:5
King David, the man after God's own heart, wrote these words. He was a man who had faults. He fell into sin and suffered hardships because of it. But still he was a great man of character. No other Bible character has been given the respect David received. There are many stories about David. We have good insight into his life. But the Psalms he wrote give us insight into his character. Through the Psalms, we gain insight into why he would be called 'a man after God's own heart.'
This is one of my favorite passages in the Psalms. David is declaring that he will rejoice with others who are rejoicing. This is an important part of the Christian life and David modeled it for us. The statement he made is absolutely genuine. No one made him write this, it was in his heart. He was saying that he and those around him would be genuinely excited for the one who would be victorious. They would rejoice with them and praise God because of the victory in their lives. I wonder if we feel the same way when we think of other Christians?
When others gain victory, do we rejoice with them? Are we excited to see our brothers and sisters succeed, even though we may be struggling? Sometimes we look at the successes of others, and instead of rejoicing with them, we say things like: "Why doesn't that happen to me?" or "I wish I had what they do." These responses come from the old nature that has been defeated within us. These responses are the kinds of things that the world says. Jealousy and envy have no place among the people of God. Instead, like David we are to rejoice with others who are victorious. Our response will either be a fruit of the Spirit or a worldly jealousy.
Since David was a man after God's heart, we ought to imitate him. We ought to respond in the same way he did. When others prosper, succeed, or gain a great victory, we ought to rejoice with them because they are sons and daughters of God, members of the same family. Our response is an indicator of our relationship with God. You see, if the Holy Spirit is living in us and we are cooperating with him, the fruit of the Spirit will be a normal part of our lives. We will respond with joy and kindness when others succeed. These responses are born out of a heart that genuinely loves and honors others. Whether they are friends, acquaintances or people you barely know, your response says more about you than you can imagine. Don't be distraught if you have responded negatively, simply ask God to give you a heart like David's and rejoice with those who are rejoicing.
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