“This is the fate of those who trust in themselves…They are like sheep and are destined to die; death will be their shepherd…Their forms will decay in the grave, far from their princely mansions. But God will REDEEM ME from the realm of the dead; HE WILL SURELY TAKE ME TO HIMSELF.” (Psa. 49:13-15) Much that is wrong in this world AMY, has to do with misplaced values. The world puts their trust in the wrong things. They find themselves unable to buy what is really important. And, finally, they miss out on the redemption of their own soul because they do not seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. In order to receive God’s salvation and serve the Lord, we must turn from our own way and ACCEPT GOD’S WAY WHICH IS THE ONLY WAY.
Jesus said, “I am THE WAY and THE TRUTH and THE LIFE. No one comes to the Father EXCEPT THROUGH ME.” (John 14:6) Jesus talked about His life and death AMY, and what is of most importance to others. He talked in terms of four priorities.
- He talked about the way to live and die: Jesus made that clear when He stated, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road THAT LEADS TO LIFE, and only a few find it” (Matt. 7:13-14).
- He talked about the truth about living and dying: “…my dear brothers and sisters, this is the point: You DIED to the power of the law when you died with Christ. And now you are united (living) with the one who was raised from the dead. As a result, we can produce a harvest of good deeds for God.” (Rom. 7:4)
- He talked about the way to really live LIFE: “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better.” (Phil. 1:21-22)
- He talked about how to have a healthy RELATIONSHIP with God. Establishing a normal relationship with God is entirely attained through quieting our hearts in God’s presence. A normal relationship with God means being able to NOT DOUBT OR DENY any of God’s work and submit to it, and furthermore it means having the RIGHT INTENTIONS IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD, not thinking of yourself, always having the interests of God’s family as the most important thing no matter what we are doing.
“…let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that YOU STAND FAST IN ONE SPIRIT, with ONE MIND STRIVING TOGETHER for the faith of the gospel…” (Phil. 1:27)
-Bill Stockham