Character building with God

The proactive message of Jesus

Who among us is not aware of the message of the Lord replete with all the wisdom for interpersonal relationships? Yet, sometimes, we view HIS words as ‘historic’ or we respond in ‘reaction’ when hearing the Holy Spirit dropping scripture into our mind for prayerful consideration. Firstly, if you contemplate the scripture beyond your Church services or Bible study, then you should be applauded! But if you do -- you understand the relationship and responsibility of your consecration via your baptism both by water and Spirit. As you contemplate the WORD and understand its application in every facet of your life, do you allow yourself to enjoy the excelling peace that comes with it? Here are a couple of character building thoughts from Jesus’ mouth.

“So if you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there beside the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.” [Matthew 5:23-24]

All things, therefore, that YOU want men to do to YOU, YOU also must likewise do to them; this, in fact, is what the Law and the Prophets mean. [Matthew 7:12]

The first citation addresses the person’s sanctimony who may feel ‘right with God’ because they went to Church or Bible study and ‘offered’ God some of their time while embattled with another. Jesus instructs us if while we are at Church, Bible Study, prayer closet, praise and worship service, whenever we ‘offer a sacrifice to God’, if while we are offering we remember someone has something against us we must make it right and then come back with a clean conscience before God. Remember, God said: “Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law.” [Romans 13:8]

The second citation manifestly indicates if you want to be treated nicely, be nice. If you want to be treated with respect, respect. If you want to be well regarded, regard others. Earlier in the same chapter of Matthew Jesus shared the best possible relationship and comportment counsel, especially for those you regard as close as a ‘brother’.

In the world today it is difficult to navigate the waters of doublespeak. Society has spared no effort to create language that means one thing to one person but quite another to someone else. Dissembling speech is contrary to the advice above and is cautioned against in Proverbs 6:12. How can we be free of ‘accusation’ – a standard of leadership -- as is called for in scripture if we allow froward speech to come from our heart, soul or spirit via our mouth?

As we move into our prayer closet to be one on one with the Grand Designer of Life let your hearts be free of discord, your soul be free of perverse intent and your Spirit be free of contrivance that you may continue on your eternal journey of ‘renewal’ both in heart and Spirit.

In closing: Please remember Jesus confidently established in Matthew 19:26: “…with God all things are possible.” When you fully understand the gravity of those 6 words you will know “…the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Homework: Think upon the words and attitude of King David as he invited God: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if [there is any] wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” If you can stand the scrutiny and confess your dependence on God then this homework is self explanatory.