Christian Legacy (pt.3): Labor for God

Labor can be described as an extremely physical exertion for work. It is something that you must make an extensive effort for in order to achieve something that you wish to accomplish. Our physical labor here on Earth and our extensive attempts to do so to achieve our goals should be modeled after the work that we do for God. Colossians 3:23 says “And whatsoever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not unto men.” What we do, or labor for in life, we may do to achieve something for ourselves, or our family, or even our churches, but what we do should show to be a reflection of our lives for God. Pushing ourselves beyond expectations and proposed limits so as to achieve what needs to be done with little or no excuses. As Christians, that labor, or “what needs to be done”, is ministering for God in order to bring souls to Christ, and be the example that others may need to labor themselves in the same manner as well.

When we labor on Earth, sometimes we do so out of reciprocity, so if we labor for man and are disappointed by man, our labor may diminish, but if we labor for God, who will never disappoint us, we will always have a reason to keep pushing, because God is a rewarder of those who labor for him. “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love that you show toward his name.” (Hebrews 9:37-38)

If you do for God, God will definitely do for you, especially since the Lord himself recognizes that there are not as many people laboring for him as there should be. “The laborers are few,”  (Matthew 9:37-38), but the promises are many. When laboring for souls, we must remember this, and live with the intent to share the truth with others and point them toward the promises (victory) bestowed to those who follow the cross. And because souls are at stake we must be abundantly persistent. “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:57‭-‬58)

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Manhood (pt.1): Leadership as the Head

Being a man is not defined by being the biggest or the baddest guy on the block. Truth be told, having influence over many people, will not usher anyone toward the title of being a man either. Sadly, there are not enough real men taking up the mantle. God has called all males to become men. It is simply the natural order of things. The example set forth by the Father gives righteous guidance toward being a man. He is to be a protector, a provider, and a teacher. But above all these, and perhaps what will better influence him in each area, he needs to be a follower of God.

These definitions, or better yet duties of manhood, place a man as being the head of his house. Most of the New Testament portion of the Bible serves as being Doctrine (teachings/instructions), and in this Doctrine found in 1 Corinthians 11:3-16, we find the word of God explaining that the man is the head of his family, but the head of him should be Christ, whose head is God. Doing so will give him the proper examples, afore mentioned, to follow and show proper leadership. God is a Father to all, therefore, a man should be a father to all-leading and guiding all into the path of holy righteousness. If not this, then for what besides worldly lusts and gains. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness (1 Timothy 6:11). Without the fulfillment of manhood duties, there is sure to be a lack of the potential to optimize family, society and everything in between. Men are to set the standards and lead, by following God.

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Value (pt.3): Our Testimony

There may be many reasons to engage things to which we assign value, but if in any way we believe within our hearts that God would not approve or perhaps simply say "Wait", then we should first not engage and second, reevaluate why/if it is truly important to be experienced. Being mindful of the former, not engaging those things held in a questionable high regard, there is a scientific yet simple approach. Reciprocity. Not engaging may lead to an idle mind, so there should something set in place to busy the mind. And what or who better than God.

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:20 KJV

This verse explains that we are ambassadors for God. Simply put, we are physical embodiments or representatives of God. We are what people see and interpret God’s love from. As we were told when we were children, we must be on our best behavior. If not for us, then for those who may be watching. And thus, this should not be due to the nature of others opinions of us, but that of God. What truly matters, or is of value, is how our testimony will lead others toward the cross, as opposed to pushing them away. Kind words, understanding, and truth in its purest form used to combat resentment, judgmental thoughts, and deception, will yield optimum results. Whether it be an eternal decision or the fact that God was reflected, God’s will be done. That is what is important. That is what has Value.

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Product of God

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2

A recent conversation caused me think about my position on the assumption that a person's environment influences their thoughts and in turn their actions, and little by little changing the environment for the better or worse. While there is some truth to the aforementioned claim, as my father said before, “Ultimately, it is your choice.” What we decide, we decide and no one else. Therefore, we are not so much a product of our environment, as much as we are a product of our own mentalities. Furthermore, our lives become a composite reflection of our hearts.

The disciples gave accounts of Jesus speaking to the fact that “where your treasure is, therein also will be your heart” (Matthew 6:21, Luke 12:34) . Many times the world wins out in the realm of influence toward our hearts because there is physical evidence complying with the claims of the world all around us. In regards to a more spiritual influence coming from a desire to please God, we must rely on faith which requires more self-discipline. Be that as it may, it is a process that can most certainly be achieved. A mindset to make decisions based on what God will have us do is not only attainable, but to the Christian it is mandated. The very essence of what it means to be a Christian requires that we accept Jesus Christ and follow his example. Therefore, when faced with temptations that may cause us to pause, we should either “flee the temptation” or “recite Scripture” as He did. This will help us to keep our focus where it belongs-on God's way. When we are focused, we can then guide ourselves back to God, and in doing so use a spiritual discernment when faced with decisions that have heavy consequences.

Our lives are a sum total of our experiences and decisions. The situations that are out of our control are not always ideal, but it is what we do with our decisions that make a lifelong impact. Allowing the enticements outside ourselves to dictate our thoughts, and hence our actions, is a very deadly game to play. God's way will not steer us wrong and will ultimately lead us to the true intent of our lives.

We are not given a good life or a bad life. We are given a life. It's up to us to make it good or bad. Who and what we encompass around ourselves will either make life easier or harder. Life is already destined for some difficulties, but who or what we find ourselves depending on will be the deciding factor between bending and breaking or bending and moving on. God does not desire for us to go through “ unnecessary foolishness." If we simply adhere to the ways set before us, we will see that God wants to protect us, keep us, and hold us.1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” Bottom line, if we look to God, we will find what is of true value and be able to make decisions that God, through Jesus has already shown us the answers to. Then no longer will we fall to the cliche of being a product of our environment, but we will rise rise to the honor of being a product of our God! God bless! Be blessed and be a blessing!

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Boldly Before the Throne

“ Let us therefore come boldly before the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 KJV

To be bold means to be daring, courageous. Not hesitating or fearful in the midst of danger or situations containing an unknown resolution.

What would we have to fear? Why would we hesitate? To be in the presence of He who created all things, who has all knowledge and power. Power to do what He so chooses at a whim, and knowledge of all our faults and thoughts. To come before Him would be ever so slightly[sarcasm]... intimidating. Yet this scripture says, “ Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne,...” When we think of a throne, we think of a King or Queen or someone who has power and control. Perhaps one who has control of important aspects of our lives- finances, food, clothes, shelter, or even whether we live or die. For some, that throne maybe the La-Z-Boy in the living room, and the ruler, if you will, was Mama or Daddy, and all things mention were under their control from the food and shelter to life and death. The latter because of the phrase “I brought you into this world and…” That was something to fear. But I digress. This fear would be more so an awe-inspired respect. To know what the King has done and is capable of doing should slow us down, if but for a moment, to give him the impression that we are giving Him his just due. To come boldly would show confidence in a situation of unknown resolution. But is the resolution really unknown? Upon showing our confidence or being bold, we do so, not based upon our own merit, but…

Though Jesus.

Hebrews 10:19,20 says,”Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the Holiest by the blood of Jesus,  By a new and living way, which He hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, His flesh…”

Once again we are told of the boldness. This passage verifies that it is solely by the blood of Jesus that we can be bold in the first place. Throughout Hebrews, there is mentioned a reference to Jesus as being likened unto a high priest. But the greatest difference was that Jesus was perfect. Never had their walked such a man as He. Not only perfect in his ways, but He Himself becoming the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Giving intercessions for us, providing us a way to have relationship with the Father and Eternal Life. And for this, He was the perfect sacrifice...

For us.

If and when we accept the blood, accept the sacrifice and realize why we needed it, we become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.” We have a new life, a new direction, a new method of reaction towards things and people that, simply put, rub us the wrong way. He has consecrated this newness or made it sacred and holy because He Himself is Holy. It’s like the Midas touch. Everything it touched turned to gold. Well, everything that Jesus touched with His life became new. It became better than it ever could be and we can be the same way if we just open our hearts and open our minds to the sacrifice- the acceptance and giving through normally unbearable circumstances. His body, much like the veil in the temple, was broken, torn and fell. And because of this, we have been given access to a new life, a new direction, new grace, new mercy, new help, new healing, new sight, new love, new joy. Old things are passed away, and through Christ's perfect blood, we too are made new and can therefore, boldly come before the throne of grace…

With God.