The Body of Christ

Adherence, or the imperfect human attempt to adhere to the principles found in the Bible are what separate Believers from unbelievers and the actual application in our thoughts and subsequently our actions on a consistent and deliberate basis is what brings about the maturity in Christ from remaining a babe, able to drink milk only, as Paul the Apostle so lovingly described it.

Simply put, there are several steps we can follow that lead us to maturity as a Christian:

          *   Read, know and understand Gods word to the very best of your ability

II Timothy 2:15  Study to show yourself approved unto God a workman who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth

          *   Choose to be obedient and think according to what you've studied 

Romans 12:2  and be not conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

          *   Give all glory and praise to the one to Whom all Glory and Praise is due    

I Corinthians 1:31  That according as it is written he that glories, let him glory in the Lord

Notice in each of these and in the many others found in the Bible, the end result, the beginning reason and the "why" is NEVER about you and I, not about us "getting what we ask for" or our lives being made easy and blessed.  It always begins, is about and ends with the Lord.  We give a lot of lip service to "its all about Jesus" but our actions often show the lie that in our hearts it is really all about us!

When a disciple asked Jesus about the greatest commandment, that, too, was all about the only one worthy of honor - the Lord!

Matthew 22: 36 - 39

Master, which is the great commandment in the law?  Jesus said unto him - You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it.  You shall love your neighbor as you love yourself.

Jesus cut right to the heart of the matter, didn't He?  Every fiber of our being is created by God for His purpose precisely because HE IS THE CREATOR!  And the best use of all the "love" we have in us?  TO GIVE IT AWAY TO THOSE AROUND US.  

Jesus told His disciples that whoever would be first, would be last.  Whoever tried to "save" his own life would lose it.  This isn't a physical law, but a spiritual one.  To us, in our reasoning and logic it makes no sense at all.  But if you try it, you discover it works, perfectly, every time and in ways you can't even begin to imagine.  Take a moment, look up these verses and read the context of why Jesus spoke in this manner.  Next time, we'll take a look at them together, so be sure to send your questions and comments to turnthetideministry@live.com and join the discussion!

Verses to read:

Matthew 10:39; 16:25  Mark 8:35  Luke 9:24; 17:33  John 12:2