Saturday, April 15, 2017

Appearing or Being, That is the Question

Matthew 20:15-16 "…15 Do I not have the right to do as I please with what is mine? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

Our human minds have a tendency to elevate ourselves above what is reality. Mankind, since Eve in the garden, has always had a propensity for self aggrandizement.

When we have an elevated view of our own importance or accomplishments, it is likely that we cannot progress or grow spiritually or emotionally.

It is only when we see ourselves in truth, while admitting the flaws that we can progress in life changes.

Why would we focus on only the good in ourselves, that needs no fixing, we should be focused on that which needs improvement.

This summer, in a few weeks, we are going to paint the outside of the buildings on our property, they are looking shabby and in need of sprucing. Why would we ever say, "let's not paint, instead lets look at the spots that are still alright so we feel better." That would be silly, we notice the shabby because it is in need of repair, then when it is all fixed up we can enjoy the beauty of it all.

As fallen and prideful human beings we are always in need of repair. Christ lives in us not to praise us all the time so we can be full of self esteem, but rather to redirect our thinking, our deeds and our goals to match His mind.

If we are walking with the Lord, seeking Him for everything in our lives we will find ourselves growing and changing continually. God begins the cleansing process when we become born again and continues that until He takes us Home. We can be pleased and excited every time the Lord does a work in us. Those who refuse to look at themselves in truth miss that maturity and blessing.

1 John 1:9
"9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

He will only cleanse us as we confess, God never forces anyone. Our rewards in heaven will be according to how we obeyed and honored Him in our lives.

Ephesians 2:10 "10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life."

When we become stubborn as His children, He disciplines us to bring us back into obedience to Him.

Impressing others with what we think is our greatness, is going to be a terrible embarrassment at the final judgment. All our sins and all our phony good deeds will be exposed for what they are, for all to see.

Hebrews 12:5-7 "…5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, or lose heart when He rebukes you. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises everyone He receives as a son.” 7 Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?…"

The final question! Are we more interested in being "seen" as godly, than we are in actually "being" so?

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