Reflections from April 26, 2010

A classic verse in Matthew 16:25 reads, "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whomever loses his life for My sake will find it."

Jesus' words to His disciples still rings true today. If we are foolish enough to deny Christ simply to live for today, then we will certainly die from the wrath of God. But if we lose our life in this world by proclaiming Christ today, then we will have everlasting joy with Him and the Father free from all uneasiness and affliction, and full of endless joys and pleasures.

From Proverbs 25:28 we read, "Whoever has no rule over his own spirit Is like a city broken down, without walls."

It's important that our properties have boundaries, sometimes even fences to keep unwanted people, animals and other dangers out. It provides protection against dangers that can harm us or our family. The same is true with our own spirit. If we control it, it's like a fence that keeps out unwanted dangers to our soul.

When we put no restraint on our passions or no guard against them, no fence about them, to curb our curiosity, or to check our pride and vanity, or to restrain our wrath and anger and revenge, and keep within due bounds our ambition and itch of glory, we've opened up our hearts, minds and soul like a city that broken down without walls. Then it is unprotected and into which there may go with pleasure, and which is exposed to the rapine and violence of everyone; and so a man that has no command of himself and passions, but gives the reins to them, is exposed to the enemy of souls, Satan and is liable to every sin, snare and temptation.

Keep God's word close to the heart and keep a strong hedge of protection around your heart, mind and soul.

Proverbs 26:24-26 tells us, "He who hates, disguises it with his lips, And lays up deceit within himself; When he speaks kindly, do not believe him, For there are seven abominations in his hear; Though his hatred is covered by deceit, His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly."

Solomon wisely tells us that people can hide their hate even to themselves, by speaking kindly of others. However, their actions will soon reveal their true nature and what is held in their hearts. Solomon speaks of the seven abominations in their heart. (See Proverbs 6:16.) In the end, his deceit and wicked ways will be brought out into the open before everyone.

One can disguise and cover up hatred and wickedness only so long. Generally, it's uncovered by others and true colors are seen; however, even if it's disguised long enough, God will eventually reveal in His court the wickedness of the person when he is brought to God's assembly for judgement. Let God be the Judge and simply follow your instinct to know who is deceitful.

Blessings to all