No Higher Honor

 

Have you ever met a "control freak"? They attempt to subjugate the people and events around them. Some of them desire to wield power. Others are insecure and endeavor to control their environment to ensure their safety. A third type of control freak was oppressed as a child; and, as an adult, vowed never to allow that to happen again.

The greatest problem with control freaks is that they are rebellious to God's authority in their life. They do not seek His will, but they make their own plans and move mountains to attain them. Some of them manipulate, demand, steal and finagle to get their own way. Their motivation is to preserve their concept of their own self-worth, because their value comes from their achievements (Colossians 2:8).

Control freaks actually believe that God let them down; therefore, they must make their own way in life. Satan reinforces this confusion by using commercials, billboards, social media, office politics, family expectations and a host of other worldly standards to force the unwitting to base their value on earthly concepts.

The problem is that even the richest, most powerful, successful and beautiful people in the world never really believe they have attained the pinnacle of acceptance they so crave. The devil convinces them that they are actually unlovable and unacceptable in order to keep them on the rungs of that illusive ladder of success.

They even perceive rejection from others when it is not there. A muddle of inferiority, hopelessness, insignificance and self-criticism overwhelms them. It is only in the very center of God's will that we find our true joy and contentment (Philippians 4:11-13). He redeemed us from our sinful lifestyle and adopted us into His very own family (1 John 3:1). There is no honor in life higher than this.

Prayer:

Father God, thank You for creating us with Your purpose in mind (Psalm 139:13; Ephesians 2:10). You gave each of us gifts and talents, which we need in order to accomplish Your will for our life (Romans 12:6). There is no need for us to strive to achieve success that is out of Your will for us. Even when we accomplish our goals, they will ring empty and hollow. Thank You for adopting us as Your children. Help us to find our worth only in our relationship with You.

Thought for the Day:

God's Biblical principles are our standard and give us wisdom for living; apart from Him we are nothing. - John 15:5

Liberalism

Read: 1 Timothy 6:17-18



“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” - Proverbs 11:25




I am stepping out in faith in writing this message during this highly charged political atmosphere in our country. I hope you will read my entire post, because this is not a political treatise, but a Biblical revelation that many people are not aware of.

Today we think of a liberal as one that takes a hard left stand on political and social issues. Liberals tend to be atheists, agnostics, socialists, communists, against war and big spenders of our tax money; although some do not hold to any of these philosophies at all, but still embrace many democrat ideals. Some liberals dislike conservatives for various stances we uphold, especially those on the hard right. Reciprocally, most conservatives disdain a liberal’s inclination to vote for idealistic and immoral issues.

In the Bible, the word liberal has a much different meaning than it does in today’s society. It has a more positive connotation. It is a noble and generous title. The word relates to someone who freely gives of everything he/she possesses. The liberal soul lives in plenty because of their liberality (Proverbs 11:25).  Devout, God-fearing people are usually liberal in giving and in prayer (Acts 10:2).

Paul lists liberality with other ministries such as encouragement, leadership and care giving. He exhorts the Corinthians to excel in faith, to be ready to witness, and to exhibit wisdom, zeal, love and liberal giving (2 Corinthians 8:7). Paul also reminds the Hebrews to do good works, to share and to be liberal and kind, because God is pleased with such sacrifices (Hebrews 13:16).

Sometimes, it definitely is a sacrifice to give. We have to do without something that we really, really want in order to give to others. God does not intend for us to help those who will not help themselves (2 Thessalonians 3:10). However, He is also not pleased with vile or selfish people who are not liberal and do not give bountifully (Isaiah 32:5). God wants us to do good to all men, especially to those in the household of faith (Galatians 6:10).

Paul charges believers to liberally share the gospel of Christ (2 Corinthians 9:13) as well as to liberally distribute our material goods (1 Timothy 6:17-18). Of course, when a person gains the reputation as a liberal giver, many try to gain their favor and befriend them for the gifts they may liberally receive (Proverbs 19:6). We must follow the leading of the Holy Spirit as we give, however. We do not want to facilitate a person’s bad spending habits, contribute to their use of the money for addictions or to enable lazy people not to work.

Liberal thinking has several good points in their philosophy, if we compare them to scripture. The Bible speaks in favor of fair treatment for people and animals, independence for the oppressed, freedom for the captives, care for the poor and needy, a healing balm for the brokenhearted, protection for the earth’s resources, and a hearty welcome for foreigners and strangers. The Bible sees the worth of all people of every tradition, gender, and class rank. No one is belittled or subservient and everyone is raised to walk in newness of life.

(Isaiah 10:1-2, Isaiah 58; Isaiah 61, Luke 4:17-21, Revelation 11:18, Jeremiah 51:25, Proverbs 12:10, Ecclesiastes 3:18-21, Isaiah 56:3-8, Leviticus 19:33-34, Revelation 7:9, Galatians 3:26-27; Romans 6:4) 

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, whenever and wherever we see a need, teach us to give liberally. Convict us to tithe; so that You can bless us, and we can share even more with those who are having a hard time. Thank you for the Christians that go all over the world to help better the life of those less fortunate both spiritually and physically. Give them resources and help them to win many with the Gospel of Christ.

Thought for the Day:

Whether your brand of politics leans toward liberals or conservatives, God calls us all to be liberal in our care and giving toward others.