Aging gracefully and being an example for new Christians means that I will choose to set my priorities by the Word. We've discussed being a loving and forgiving woman, and being faithful. We've also said we will (with the Spirit's guidance) empower other believers, and stand for the truth.
Now, all of those would seem to be priorities, right?
Right.
What we're talking about today is whether our priorities match up with those of the Bible, or those of the culture surrounding us.
After all, there are some things that people pursue in this world that are just not right for us believers. The world is decadent and sinful, and even though we are "in" that world, we are not supposed to be "of" that world.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)
Because:
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, (II Timothy 1:9)
Instead of the latest movie filled with filth, or the most popular post on social media, believers should pursue holiness.
You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own. (Leviticus 20:26)
Did you see what that person said or did on Instagram? Ohhhhh, my goodness!
Ummmm, no, I was focused on my daily prayer time. Scholars call it "communion," too, and "fellowship," when we pursue a close relationship with the God Who has made us and saved us:
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (II Corinthians 13:14)
Unlike the culture of this world, believers should definitely prioritize speaking graciously to all, for this is what opens the window of witnessing to unbelievers. Especially in this age of masks and not meeting other people's eyes, we need to take the time to smile (you can smile with your eyes, too, since they can't see your mouth if you have on a mask.....personally, I don't wear one. I know, I know, I heard those gasps. I've told you before, I'm a rebel.)
But I digress.
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. (Mark 16:15)
Gotta speak to 'em if you're going to tell 'em about the gospel. (Grin)
Instead of memorizing lyrics to a song or political points for social justice (don't get me started) we need to prioritize knowledge of the Word. If we study His Word fervently, we will gain new insights and new confidence (see witnessing, above!) and be better able to live and work for Him. We will be able to correctly handle the Word of truth:
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)
Today's culture is obsessed with personal happiness.... me, me, me! What makes me comfortable; what makes me happy; what makes me looked up to by others? No thought for tomorrow, and "who in the world talks or thinks about those antiquated concepts of heaven and hell?"
Wellllll, we do. (Grin)
In the 25th chapter of Matthew, the kingdom of God was compared to ten virgins, waiting for a wonderful wedding festivity to begin. Five were wise and made heaven their priority - the other five did not, and they blamed the others (instead of themselves) when their regrettable choice had consequences. . . .
We don't know when Christ will return:
for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. (I Thessalonians 5:2)
And keeping heaven a priority becomes even more important when we remember the words of our Savior:
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:20)
Finally, in a world of conflict and strife, hatred and intolerance, our priority from the Bible is to be at peace with everyone.
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14)
Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,
keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from telling lies.
Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and his ears are attentive to their cry; (Psalm 34:12-15)
I choose to pass over the changing whims of the culture of this world. The people are blinded by the idols of this age:
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God......We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 10 We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. (II Corinthians 4:4, 8-10)
How will they know, if someone doesn't tell them? By our lives. By our actions. By our words.
My priorities are set to align with the Word.
Such a great study!
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