Which is more difficult? Without a doubt, growing in spirit, and pleasing *GOD*! It is easy to adhere to the world, and to want to 'fit in', but to leave all that behind, and step into THE TRUTH of SPIRIT, and to please THE LORD involves more than we are prepared for, or initially understand, HOWEVER, the more we put into doing so, the easier it gets, and the more natural it feels. At the onset of this decision, we go through periods of frustration, and consternation, but the more we study, embrace, learn, and practice, we find ourselves comfortable in the change(s)!!!
The world IS the lie that we cling to, and *GOD* IS THE TRUTH we are brought to, which really blows minds, and discourages too, as it is SO contrary to what we thought, or believed, or were taught! We WISH we could have it both ways, but since the world exists IN enmity to THE LORD, and HIS WILL, it is NOT possible, despite that we DO exist in the physical world, and have need of tangibles of this world! SO, we are taught to put *GOD* first, seek THE KINGDOM, and continue on IN HIS WILL, while existing here, which brings challenges, conflict, and downright despair at times, because the world IS SO tempting, and EVER enticing us! Our egocentric being, PRIDE, doesn't like the changes, and so, will rebel, but we HAVE to hold on TO TRUTH, and endure, persevere, and withstand what is thrown at us while journeying this valley, THAT we REMAIN IN HIM, SO THAT HE WILL REMAIN in us, and THAT we are safe, and secure!!!
There are those that say that such could drive someone crazy, and I guess if you don't maintain self-control, or don't devour knowledge enough to understand, it could hinder you, or perplex the heck outta you! SEEK *GOD*, and HIS WISDOM, and HE WILL guide you through, and equip you in every way feasible TO making the trek!!!
Funny how people perceive adherence to *GOD* as drudgery, or as a sacrifice too great to be able enjoy their existence, but many will expend endless time on what is worldly, and what, if not now, eventually will work against them! EVERY effort, EACH accordance TO THE LORD *GOD* works FOR us, and IS profitable; body, heart, mind, and soul! ALL GOOD things come OF THE LORD, and ALL of HIS WILL supplements, and sustains us, NOW and ETERNALLY! While we are still confronted by matters, and evils of this realm, IN *GOD* we ARE enabled to endure, persevere, and withstand, AS we grow and thrive IN HIM!!!
More than some are discouraged that our LORD doesn't act like a magical entity, and grant our every wish, and so, these attempt to write HIM off, which is futile on their part, as HE WAS, IS, and EVERMORE SHALL BE, while they, only have existence THROUGH HIM in the flesh they so hold to! TRUTH IS, *GOD* IS FAR GREATER than a mystical, magical being: HIS POWERS ARE PERPETUAL, and UNFATHOMABLE, HOWEVER, HIS WILL PREVAILS OVER our self-inclinations, and desires to avoid sufferings! CHRIST JESUS SUFFERED FOR us, and this HE endured FOR us, AND THE GLORY OF THE FATHER, *GOD*! IF we are OF CHRIST, suffering IS part and parcel, and IS one WITH being TRANSFORMED, and REFINED!!!
Would that there would be a way to change the minds of those who bit into the lies of the world, and their self-assumed importance, THAT they might SEE THE LORD *GOD* ALMIGHTY, and TURN TO HIM, though this IS also, inclusive TO HIS WILL, FOR the purpose of HONEST FAITH, and FAITHFULNESS, NOT founded upon the tangible, or merit!!!
The ruler of this world, the principalities, and the powers of this world ARE leading FAR too many to the top of slippery slope, which has NO exit whatsoever, in which case, egotism, pride, and LACK of knowledge ARE imprisoning slews of souls! IF we were as intelligent as we THINK we are, we WOULD explore everything feasible, in order to make decisions which would render us safe, secure, and optimized, but alas, the mind of carnality HAS enticed, enchanted, and engrossed many! Seriously, to make decisions or choices void of ALL possibilities, or probabilities HAS placed many in an unchangeable predicament, come the end!!!
Our energies are SO wasted on the world; it is alarming just how much!!!
Christians are NOT of this world, though IN it for a short trek TO THE KINGDOM, yet, because of faulty teaching, and incomplete assumed knowledge, even many of THE FAITH, are heading the wrong way! The leaders of THE CHURCH OUGHT to warning them, then pointing them TO THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS! Alas, many of the CHURCH leaders, are also, enmeshed in the times, and in the world, and are more concerned about the world than the souls they ARE CHOSEN to nurture, guide, and direct TO THE LORD! Yah, there are TOO many of THE CLOTH engaging in matters of the world INSTEAD of KEEPING hearts and minds CENTERED ON WHAT IS OF *GOD*, and THE KINGDOM!!!
Thus, the INDIVIDUAL Christian HAS NEED TO study, embrace, learn, and use the instructions of THE LORD *GOD*, THAT they might, not only discern, but REMAIN IN HIM, even when another might lead them wrongly, OR are perplexed BY the untruths being thrown around!!!
It IS a whole new game IN THE LORD, and yah, it is sometimes, well, it can feel as if one is outside looking in, YET, there IS SO MUCH GOOD in doing so, AND the PEACE of CHRIST JESUS, as HE rules OVER our beings, and HIS SPIRIT which teaches, guides, protects, and ensures our victory, and eternal JOY!!!
Even the most devout might be taken off THE PATH at times, YET, they quickly realize it, and get back on! This happens BECAUSE the evil one IS determined to take us ALL down with him WHEN our LORD returns, but their FAITHFULNESS HAS informed them enough to KEEP them from being overtaken, despite the occasional misstep!!!
Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.
Christians are freed from the ceremonial law, they must walk the more closely with God in gospel obedience. As heaven and earth are contrary one to the other, both cannot be followed together; and affection to the one will weaken and abate affection to the other.
PHILIPPIANS 3: 20-21...
20+++But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,
21+++who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
There is no getting to heaven as our home, but by Christ as our Way. True believers, in seeking this assurance, as well as to glorify him, will seek more nearly to resemble his sufferings and death, by dying to sin, and by crucifying the flesh with its affections and lusts. In these things there is a great difference among real Christians, but all know something of them. Believers make Christ all in all, and set their hearts upon another world.
If they differ from one another, and are not of the same judgment in lesser matters, yet they must not judge one another; while they all meet now in Christ, and hope to meet shortly in heaven. Let them join in all the great things in which they are agreed, and wait for further light as to lesser things wherein they differ.
The enemies of the cross of Christ mind nothing but their sensual appetites. Sin is the sinner's shame, especially when gloried in. The way of those who mind earthly things, may seem pleasant, but death and hell are at the end of it. If we choose their way, we shall share their end.
The life of a Christian is in heaven, where his Head and his home are, and where he hopes to be shortly; he sets his affections upon things above; and where his heart is, there will his conversation be. There is glory kept for the bodies of the saints, in which they will appear at the resurrection. Then the body will be made glorious; not only raised again to life, but raised to great advantage. Observe the power by which this change will be wrought.
May we be always prepared for the coming of our Judge; looking to have our vile bodies changed by his Almighty power, and applying to him daily to new-create our souls unto holiness; to deliver us from our enemies, and to employ our bodies and souls as instruments of righteousness in his service.
EPHESIANS 2: 19...
So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God's household,
The church is compared to a city, and every converted sinner is free of it. It is also compared to a house, and every converted sinner is one of the family; a servant, and a child in God's house. The church is also compared to a building, founded on the doctrine of Christ; delivered by the prophets of the Old Testament, and the apostles of the New. God dwells in all believers now; they become the temple of God through the working of the blessed Spirit.
Let us then ask if our hopes are fixed on Christ, according to the doctrine of his word? Have we devoted ourselves as holy temples to God through him? Are we habitations of God by the Spirit, are we spiritually-minded, and do we bring forth the fruits of the Spirit? Let us take heed not to grieve the holy Comforter. Let us desire his gracious presence, and his influences upon our hearts. Let us seek to discharge the duties allotted to us, to the glory of God.
There is more, but this is sufficient, I believe, to make the point! IF you ARE OF CHRIST JESUS, KNOW THE TRUTH, and LET IT GUIDE you every day, in every way! PRAISE THE LORD *GOD* ALWAYS, WORSHIP HIS HOLINESS, HONOUR HIM, and REJOICE FOR HIS LOVING CARE, and CONSTANT PRESENCE, as you GIVE THANKS, LOVE, and the best of your being, FOR HIS GLORY, and the safety of souls!!!
LWINSOR © 2018
BIBLICAL, and/or other references marked BOLDLY IN COLOURS
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