God thinks life is important. Our lives have always been important to our Lord, as well the world we live in is important to Him.
Jesus told us about the things that God deems of value in this life. For one thing, it is that we have enough food, clothing, and shelter. Also He wants us to care for those who are sick, and to visit those in prison (Mt 25:34-36). Jesus expected His people to have more than enough so that they could give some away.
“And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.” (Mt 5:40)
If we see the heart of God in the Bible we will notice that He has always been involved in the affairs of men. Yet some think that God only cares about the unseen things in life. If something seems important to them, they do not think God would see it that way. Often our brothers and sisters in the Lord tell us not to worry. Things would be different if we shared the burden of importance, taking things to prayer, and comforting one another. We should rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep, for their victories and sorrows have significance.
Many look at this life as a life not to take thought about. In order to do this, we would have to think nothing is significant. When Jesus was telling men not to take thought about their lives He was admonishing them not to worry (Lk 12:22-26). He did not tell them that what they ate and wore was not important. If food and raiment were inconsequential, God would not judge men for their reluctance to give these things to the needy.
“Don’t worry. Have faith” has been offered in place of prayer and action by many Christians. I would like to suggest that this philosophy comes from false religion, and not from Christianity. Jesus’ brother James offers us a measuring rod for our faith; “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (Jm 1:27). Here again we see that the Lord has His people care for the matters of this life, and yet not letting themselves get wrapped up in the lusts of this life.
God does think life on this earth is important, and His scriptures bear this out. Today, let us put away any false religious philosophies that cause us to think otherwise, and let us embrace the lives we were given here to live. Only then will we bring God’s kingdom here to earth, for only then will we pray in true faith and minister to each other out of sincerity. Amen
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
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