Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Loving Christ More Than Our Own Life
James 3:1a6-18
…16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap the fruit of righteousness."
Peacemakers are those people who tell the truth to help others more fully follow Christ. Peacekeepers are those who go along to get alone and are of no use in helping one another grow in holiness.
Peacemaking seeks a permanent solution that has depth and purpose. Peacekeeping is superficial and easily offended at the slightest challenge.
The peacemaker promotes holiness and Spiritual growth. The peacekeeper discourages holiness and Spiritual growth through superficial thinking based on selfish desires.
Those who cannot face conflict seeking to live a life of superficial pleasure will not be able to discern the things of the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:14 "But a natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned."
Those who love themselves and their worldly pleasures will bring heartache to someone who seeks God's Truth, they will fight against the truth to maintain the superficiality that brings them momentary pleasure.
Those who love Christ will seek peace through speaking the truth of the Bible in context helping others move toward growth and holiness.
May we as born-again believers seek the strength of Christ to speak truth even if no one else is and when others do not walk the same path with us. This path is narrow and lonely at times but is always peaceful and joyful for those who love Christ more than their own life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)