There are too many instances, I believe, when we as individuals for whatever our reasons may be, look to someone else to direct us, someone else to validate us, someone else to tell us what is the right thing to do. And there are some very few times when that is exactly the right thing to do - seek counsel from others, and yet to not make our own choices, our own decisions gives us a false sense of freedom. I say a false sense of freedom, because we ultimately have the idea that we are not accountable since we followed someone else's dictates and I say false, because we each will give an account of ourselves before the Lord one day and no matter where the decision came from we will be held accountable for our actions.
With that in mind, and since we must in fact live with the consequences of every decision and action we take, it makes far more sense to actually hold ourselves accountable to think through and then make as wise a decision in all instances as our hearts can manage. Right or even if it turns out wrong, God will be pleased that we have held ourselves in account - AS LONG AS OUR INTENTION HAS NOT BEEN EVIL.
This is a hard thought and concept for most to grasp, for we cannot help but look at the actual behavior of the flesh. Intentions are difficult to discern due to our own set of experiences and emotions and thoughts. God looks on the heart, not the flesh. God is the discerner of our hearts, and the bible tells us that even if our own hearts condemn us God is greater than our hearts!
For this very reason we are warned NOT TO JUDGE OTHERS. The criteria which we utilize to judge is so flawed that any and all judgments we make will of course, be terribly flawed, especially as we judge according to the flesh and not the intentions of the heart. FRUIT in a life we are to look at and consider, but not to judge the individual actions on their own merits because there is so much we do not know, so much we do not understand and so much more we are simply ignorant of!
We must each, however, judge our own hearts, examine them and assure ourselves that we are obedient to our Lord. For this reason, the Apostle Paul exhorts us all in II Timothy 2:15 to "Study to show yourself approved before God, a workman who needs NOT be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth!"
Careful reading and study of Gods word for OURSELVES and not just accepting any and everything others say about Gods Word is an action we will be held accountable for, as our understanding of Gods word will influence all our decisions and actions. Pick up that book of all books TODAY, ask God for wisdom and begin reading. May I suggest beginning in the Book of Acts, as it so wonderfully portrays the First Century Church in all its glory prior to any interference of mans rules and religiosity?
Blessings as you walk your walk of Fellowship with the Heavenly Father this week. Our prayer for each of you is that you will recognize how much God loves you and fulfill your role in the Body of Christ!
encouraging music ~ encouraging message ~ WeRKlay@gmail.com
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