The apostle Paul writes,
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone...” 1 Timothy 2:1.
If you claim to be a Christian do you pray for everyone around you? Do you pray for your family members, friends, neighbours, enemies, government and religious leaders? The apostle Paul says you should. So do you?
Please think about it.
The Bible opens with the statement,
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1.
It does not open the existence of God for debate it simply states there is a God who created the heavens and the earth.
The way I see things is we can either believe in God or not believe in God. There is no middle ground.
Admittedly to believe in God takes an act of faith because we cannot see God. But believe we must. The writer of the book of Hebrews telling us,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6.
The way I see it God asks us to have faith that He exists because having faith in anything particularly something or someone you cannot see is very hard for most people.
It is doubly hard I think for people to believe in a God who “seemingly” has been silent for several millennium.
That being said the true believer longs to see God. As the psalmist puts it,
“I wait for the LORD, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope.”
Do you believe in God?
Please think about it.
At Peace
The apostle Paul writes,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you,
live at peace with everyone.”
Do you do your best to live at peace with those around you?
All it takes to live at peace with those around you is to obey these words of Jesus,
Jesus said,
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40.
Jesus also said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12.
If you as a Christian are living by these verses then you have done all you can to live at peace with those around you
Thus the question becomes; Are you obeying these words of Jesus.
Please think about it.
A Pledge
Jesus said,
“So in everything, do to others
what you would have others do to you
for this sums up the law and the prophets.”
Matthew 7:12.
Thus as a believer in Christ Jesus,
I pledge...
To Love.
I Pledge...
As far as it depends on me...
To live at peace with all people.
I Pledge...
Never, Never, Never! To attack anyone...
Physically, or verbally.
Even if I vehemently disagree with them in any way.
I Pledge...
Never to demean anyone.
No matter their race, their ethnicity,
their religion, or their lifestyle.
I Pledge...
As far as humanly possible,
To uphold the dignity of all whom I come in contact with.
I Pledge...
To obey the words of Christ Jesus who said,
“So in everything, do to others what you would have others do to you
for this sums up the law and the prophets.” Matthew 7:12.
Please don’t just think about it. Do it!
This sums up the law and prophets
Again it comes down to Matthew 7:12
"So in everything, do to others
what you would have them do to you,
for this sums up the Law and the Prophets"
Matthew 7:12.
I think this is of primary importance to all Christians. We must remember that we need to treat others the same way we would wish to be treated. For if we do this it will lead us to win souls for Christ.
Are you doing this?
Please think about it.
The apostle Paul writing to the Corinthians defines Christian love as,
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy,
it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil
but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love."
If you consider yourself a Christian. A true follower of Christ Jesus. Is this the kind of Love you show to those around you?
Please think about it.
Love the greatest commandment.
Jesus when asked,
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40.
We must also love our enemy. Jesus stating,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Matthew 5:43-47.
So do you choose to follow the greatest commandment of Jesus?
Please think about it.
