Our Christianity NEEDS to SHINE!!!
THE HIGH ROAD IS that which we should remain on, at all times, and I tell you what, sometimes it is more than difficult to do, yet, we ought to! CHRIST JESUS HIMSELF experienced the world at it's worst too, and therefore TEACHES us to remain ELEVATED even when one, or more are trying to lower us! By doing so, we ARE conducting ourselves according to HIS WILL, and thereby, REFLECTING HIM, even if those who are seeing HIM through us, are not aware of it! We leave HIM in our wake, which then, has potential for these to notice HIM, be influenced by HIM, and then, to FOLLOW HIM...
In this strange world, we are drawn into circumstances which challenge us, in which case, self-control of the Christian kind HAS to be in place! Even when we are being treated in ways which make us want to argue, fight, or scream, we HAVE to maintain, WITH understanding of doing so being the way of righteousness! Though we are belittled, humiliated, shunned, intimidated, or whatever, we are to REMAIN IN CHRIST, and to act in HIS NAME!
39+++“But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
40+++“If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also.
41+++“Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.
42+++“Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.
The plain instruction is, Suffer any injury that can be borne, for the sake of peace, committing your concerns to the Lord's keeping. And the sum of all is, that Christians must avoid disputing and striving. If any say, Flesh and blood cannot pass by such an affront, let them remember, that flesh and blood shall not inherit the kingdom of God; and those who act upon right principles will have most peace and comfort.
This instruction pertains to everyday existence, such as insult, dishonour, and so forth; not to dire matters, although in dire matters, we would also, be wise to consider our actions as possible...
The PRINCIPLE behind this sound teaching IS that *GOD* IS SOLE AVENGER, and DEFENDER of ALL injustice in this world, and so, as best as we might, we resist the usual evil by staying THE HIGH ROAD; it's intention lies in lessening the emotions which led people to being violent, and shedding blood...
17+++Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.
18+++If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
19+++Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.
20+++“BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.”
21+++Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Since men became enemies to God, they have been very ready to be enemies one to another. And those that embrace religion, must expect to meet with enemies in a world whose smiles seldom agree with Christ's. Recompense to no man evil for evil. That is a brutish recompence, befitting only animals, which are not conscious of any being above them, or of any existence hereafter. And not only do, but study and take care to do, that which is amiable and creditable, and recommends religion to all with whom you converse. Study the things that make for peace; if it be possible, without offending God and wounding conscience. Avenge not yourselves. This is a hard lesson to corrupt nature, therefore a remedy against it is added. Give place unto wrath. When a man's passion is up, and the stream is strong, let it pass off; lest it be made to rage the more against us. The line of our duty is clearly marked out, and if our enemies are not melted by persevering kindness, we are not to seek vengeance; they will be consumed by the fiery wrath of that God to whom vengeance belongeth. The last verse suggests what is not easily understood by the world; that in all strife and contention, those that revenge are conquered, and those that forgive are conquerors. Be not overcome of evil. Learn to defeat ill designs against you, either to change them, or to preserve your own peace. He that has this rule over his spirit, is better than the mighty. God's children may be asked whether it is not more sweet unto them than all earthly good, that God so enables them by his Spirit, thus to feel and act.
Yah, at times sound instruction flees us as we think, act, and react according to the flesh, but as we mature in our Christian growth, we begin to SEE the sense, and sensibility which THE LORD *GOD* HAS instructed us in, and thus, we respond accordingly, even when inside we are seething, hurting, and otherwise feeling troubled by what we experience...
IF ALL Christians, from the start to now, acted, and reacted IN *GOD'S* WILL, perhaps THE LIGHT would be SO bright that all the more would have come to HIM! In these times, we note the tendency of Christians to fight their own battles, be that vocally, or in whatever way, in which case, THE STANDARD OF THE LORD IS being disturbed through misrepresentation of HIS WILL, WAYS, and WORD, BECAUSE HE BIDS us to be humble, meek, peaceful, and all which evidences HIS GLORY within us! ARE we aligned when we are embroiled in battles of the flesh instead of RELYING ON HIM, our DEFENDER, and DELIVERER???
Right now, especially on the Internet, there are wars of words between Christians and others! There IS a problem with acting rashly; for one it creates more problems, AND leaves others with a worse opinion of us! We are taught to be kind, gentle, patient, tolerant, understanding, and to exist peacefully! Our AIM IS to REFLECT THE LORD via our existence! 2 TIMOTHY 2: 14... Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words; this is in no way profitable, and leads its listeners to ruin. Those disposed to strive, commonly strive about matters of small moment. But strifes of words destroy the things of God. We are taught to reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for we know that breeds quarreling (2 TIMOTHY 2: 23), AND to avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the Law, because these things are pointless and worthless (TITUS 3: 9). Trifling, foolish questions must be avoided, and subtle distinctions and vain inquiries; nor should people be eager after novelties, but love sound doctrine which tends most to edifying. We are to DEVOTE ourselves to good deeds, which are excellent, and profitable for the people (TITUS 3: 8)...
Our human rearing taught us many unaligned ways, which we THINK are right because they have been passed down through time, and use, but IF we KNOW THE TRUTH, we SEE that we have need to let go of such fleshy ideals, and take ON THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF *GOD*!!!
EVERY day is a day of learning, and of training for our TRUTH; it is never complete until HE RETURNS, and so, let us diligently, and deliberately study to KNOW HIS WILL THAT we ARE being, and doing what HONOURS HIM, and SHINES OF HIS GLORY, for HE IS the point of everything, and everyone!!!
LWINSOR © 2016
BIBLICAL, and/or other references marked BOLDLY IN COLOURS
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