Reflections from June 21, 2010

Today we read in Colossians 2:6-7, "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk with Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving."

Paul urged the Colossians to follow the pattern of Christ, and by having this in the bible, that same encouragement is passed along to us today. So we need to know what that pattern look like. There are two contrasting but complementary portraits of the Lord for us to look at with Jesus; the private life and the public life. One of these is not more important than the other and both are essential to living in faith. Jesus gave us a model for both facets of life.

The model of Jesus as Lord with power over all is exemplified today by:
* running for public office
* challenging businesses that have adverse effects on people
* helping the homeless
* advising office holders on matters of policy
* voting

The model of Jesus as a servant to the lowest of the lowly is exemplified today by:
* Bible study
* friendship evangelism, one-on-one
* mission work
* studying in ministries that strengthen our marriage and home life
* participating in support groups
* providing counseling
* partaking in prayer

By providing these examples for us, Jesus truly shows His love for us and makes known with no doubt that He is our Lord AND our Savior.

In Proverbs 20:12 we read, "The hearing ear and the seeing eye, The Lord has made them both."

In other words, both are wonderfully made and made for using. See and hear what the Lord has done. It's also interesting to note this verse does not bring up the mouth for speaking. I believe Solomon knew you can't speak and properly see or hear truly important things at the same time.

Proverbs 21:17 tells us, "He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich."

Solomon knows that these pleasures in life are not necessarily bad, but when we partake too much, they become an overriding burden on us. When these pleasures are the main focus of our life, they can dominate everything causing us to misplace what is important, and by getting our priorities out of whack, we can end up having a life that is full of burdens, not to mention having financial difficulties. Keeping priorities straight is important and for me that is:
1. God
2. Family
3. Work
4. Church
5. Recreation

Blessings to all