Things Above Thoughts
TAT #35
Foolish or Faithful
The Colossian believers are identified as “saints and faithful” (Colossians 1:2). “Saint” is a believer’s heavenly and eternal status. “Faithful”refers to one’s earthly walk with the Lord. The Galatians are identified as “deserters” and “foolish” (1:6; 3:1). Both appear to be God’s children!
What kind of child are you, a foolish deserters or a faithful?
Whether any person sees us or not each thought we think and each action we take is observed! Our words and our lives are always a present witness. This is what the Lord revealed in Ephesians 3:8–10:
To me (Paul)– less than the least of all the saints– this grace was given, to proclaim to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ and to enlighten everyone about God’s secret plan– a secret that has been hidden for ages in God who has created all things. The purpose of this enlightenment is that through the church (God’s spiritual family) the multifaceted wisdom of God should now be disclosed to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly realms. (NET Emphasis added)
Our smallest thoughts and actions are always observed in heaven and have huge affects on certain heavenly rulers and authorities for all eternity!
Therefore it can be said that the results of what we say and do today will precede us into heaven and accompany us throughout all eternity. So I say: “Let us watch the small pieces of our lips and lives, they are more important than we know.”
“Trust no one, not even the finest saint who ever walked this earth, ignore him, if he hinders your sight of Jesus Christ.” (Oswald Chambers, March 29)
How does the finest saint who ever walked this earth hinder my sight of Jesus Christ? Why would such a godly person even think about hindering my sight of Jesus? They don’t and they wouldn’t! It is not the godly saint who hinders my sight of Jesus it is my focus on the godly saint that hinders my vision. We all have the tendency to look at others, to depend on others, and even to expect, require, and at times even demand that others act godly toward me.
I think Mr Chambers had it right: “If your are looking off unto Jesus, . . . setting your heart on what He wants, . . . when He appears . . . you will be the only one who is ready.”
Getting Lost in the Darkness
monday, for most, the first day in the work week; why are you going to work?
are you working to earn a living? are you Living?
are you working to support your family? are you Supportive?
are you working for your retirement? how does His Retirement look?
are you working because it’s expected of you? are you meeting His Expectations?
are you working for worldly reasons or for His Heavenly Reasons?
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
(Matthew 6:33)
Are you one of the “and others” from Hebrews 11:35b-40? If so you might be on the front lines of God’s present active plan.
Remember Job, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego! They were God’s best and they faced great trials because of their righteousness. If you are suffering for your faith, through no fault of your own then consider yourself blessed. As Rich Mullins wrote “you meet God in the furnace long before you meet Him in the air.” And remember one more who suffered — our lord Jesus Christ.
“If we endure, we will also reign with Him. . . (2 Tim. 2:12).”