Definition: a spiritual ancestor, having absolute rights
"I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." ~ 1 Corinthians 6:18
We all have the desire to belong - to somebody. People are just dying to be cherished and loved. God created us with a planet size hole on the inside of our hearts. This unrelenting vacuum is something only God Himself can fill. A lot of times people try and numb the pain or fill the void with what the world offers, such as: money, pleasure and fame. But every crutch that does not equal a heart to heart connection with the King will lead us down a dead end - every time. God as Father is more than enough for any heart.
Paul was one apostle who understood what it meant to fill the void. Taking the place of a servant, he worried nothing about what people thought of him. Called by God to plead with the Corinthian church, Paul continually hit a wall of idolatry and immortally. False prophets infiltrated the land, challenging Paul's message with accusations and threats. But Paul stood his ground, all for the sake of the sons and daughters of God.
Take a look at 1 Corinthians 6:14-18. Here, Paul encourages the believers not to form relationships with those outside of the faith. He was trying to warn them. Their faith was very weak to begin with, and the surrounding sin was a great temptation. Paul was demonstrating to those feeble in faith, that there was something different about them now that they belonged to Jesus. They were to walk and talk differently, not giving in to the old lifestyle they were used to. As believers in Jesus Christ, they were to be holy and set apart - they were even considered the temple of the Living God. And so are we.
In looking at my own life, I find that there are certain personalities (namely from my past) that tend to bring out the worst in me. I understand the importance of taking responsibility for my own behavior, and I usually try to. But mixing with an unbelieving crowd can sometimes make me vulnerable to old patterns and ways of thinking. Does this sound familiar to anyone?
Sons and daughters - God's message was so loving, so personal. As God's very own children we have been plucked out of the mess, saved from the fire and drawn out of the waters. As royalty, it is important that we live out our commitments with integrity. God sets a pretty high standard. As Christians, everything we do reflects the heart of God the Father. What are others seeing through you?
Most Holy God, we bow before you in adoration. You loved us so much that you sent your Son Jesus to die so that we could be welcomed into Your family. Help us Lord to make right choices. Forgive us for every compromise, for every time we have allowed the influence of this world to win. We have been set apart for a greater purpose - to love and serve You. Give us minds and attitudes that reflect the fruit of the Spirit, so that we may shine for you. We surrender every thought, every act and all of our own rights - to You.
1 comment:
Thanks for making me think today. This was so what I needed to hear. Just yesterday I agreed to go on a cruise with some other ladies in my family, including my daughter. It's a mother-daughter thing, actually... four sets. I do really feel God wants me to do this, but I was just praying that I can be a witness to them and NOT let myself get swept into any kind of partying or anything that would bring dishonor to Him and damage my witness. It's not till May, but I'm praying NOW!! Then I read this. Perfect!
And by the way, I love the format. I can see how much work and study and prayer you're putting into this. It's awesome!!
Post a Comment