Reflections from March 15, 2010

Today in Hebrews, we read in chapter 10:24-25, "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as in the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much more as you see the Day approaching."

The importance of church attendance should not be underestimated. In our busy, hectic lives, it's easy to skip this weekly activity. I know for myself, it is very attractive to just sleep in, and have a day of leisure and rest, watching sports on tv or just doing stuff around the house. But, time with our fellow believers is very important as it sanctifies the Body of Christ. Without all parts of the Body, it gets weaker and then it's more susceptible to attacks by Satan. To be uplifted by fellow believers is good, and to do that for others is good as well.

Satan wants very much for us to have lives that are so busy, we stay away from church. Doing so weakens us, and allows the strong hedge of protection around us and our family to become weak as well.

From Proverbs 14:16 we read, "A wise man fears and departs from evil, But a fool rages and is self-confident."

A fool is typically overconfident about being able to avoid trouble. "It can't happen to me" is what they might say. And when it does, "I can handle it" is another. Proverbs brings out the folly of this person. Jesus warns of this to His disciples when He says, "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak."
Overconfidence about your own moral and spiritual strength is perilous. It shows you have no appreciating of the nature and power of evil. Moses, Samson, David and Peter are just a few examples of those who were tempted and fell into sin. With people like this, why would we think we can overcome temptation and resist evil?
We have counsel today to depart from evil and turn our backs on temptation, refusing to toy with sin. That might mean new friends, or changing jobs, or even changing churches. Whatever tempts us to sin, we are wise to do whatever it takes to turn our back on it, and turn toward "righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."

In Proverbs 15:13 we read, "A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, But by sorrow of the heart a spirit is broken."

Attitudes in life seem to start with the heart. Whatever condition your heart is in, it carries over into every aspect of your temperament. A sad heart makes for one who is always down and sees bad in everything. The person lacks trust, lacks joy, and is always down. Their spirit truly is broken.

But when a hear is full of cheer, it has joy, it sees the good in everything and everyone. Trust is there, but not trust like a fool.

Whatever is needed to have this cheerful and merry heart, it needs to be done. To go through life in a miserable way with a broken heart is not at all how God wants us to live.

Blessings to all