April 30, 2020

Good Morning Fellow Believers,

Today we are going to look at how both perspective and choice relate to finding security in God.

Perspective is both innate and learned, based on our family of origin, life experiences, and values. There is another element of perspective – choice. Our bad choices teach us that we are responsible for our thoughts, words, emotions, and actions. While others influence our decisions, we are ultimately responsible for our choices. Sometimes the hardships we face are a direct consequence of our sinful behavior. Just as we’re responsible for our sin, so we are also responsible for acting in a way that pleases God and uses the gifts he has given us. More than just looking on the bright side, proper perspective will help us to choose to seek God, love him, thank him, and praise him without ceasing.

Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. Gal 6:4-5 (NIV)

Both our abilities and motives need healthy, ongoing examination. Here Paul offered the solution. People should do what they should, and then they could enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done their work well. Each person is responsible for his or her own conduct. We should compare ourselves to God’s standard, not to anyone else. We are instructed to test our actions to gain a proper perspective of ourselves we are also instructed to stand firm in our faith. By the way both are choices.

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Cor 10:12-13 (NIV)

Paul warned the Corinthian Christians that if they began to take their faith for granted, if they thought they were standing strong, that was the time to be most careful not to fall. No human being is ever beyond temptation. Paul warned the believers not to let down their guard.

Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Gal 5:1 (NIV)

We have freedom from slavery to our sinful desires and to the Jewish law. But the freedom came at great price. In order for us to enjoy ultimate freedom, someone had to set us free, and that someone was Christ Jesus. Because Christ has really set us free, we should stay free. We are to live our faith out, practice it, and rejoice in it.

The everyday choices we make, especially the choice to follow the guidelines of scripture help us to gain the proper perspective of what it means to live in a right relationship with Christ. Living in a right relationship has many benefits as we progress to a glorious future in the kingdom of God. As you ponder keeping the right perspective and making right choices please remember these words. Decisions we make today will affect not only us but our families for generations to come. Please make the decision to, seek ye first the kingdom of God.

May the grace of God be with you all,

Pastor Dennis