What Is the Mandate God Assigns to Each Believer?

The Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung believed some people were able to know things not naturally learned. These people may realize they possess insight designed to benefit God’s plan and purpose for them as well as for others.

What greater motive for creativity and accountability could there be, realizing you are privileged to be doing what honors and pleases the Lord God? Jesus referred to this as laying up incorruptible treasures in heaven.

Jesus gave us a related truth in the “Parable of the Mustard Seed”. The wonder and power in a tiny mustard seed is similar to the power of faith and trust God assigns to believers in Christ Jesus. Jesus confirms in John 16:13 he would send the Holy Spirit to guide believers into all truth he had taught. 

That mandate is to learn whatever is within the scope of your ability to assimilate and then be accountable to God for that information.    

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Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove to be faithful. 

~1 Corinthians 4:2 New International Version

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How Do We Give Others a Taste of God's Goodness?

Without exception, Jesus commissions all believers to be salt of the earth and a light to the world. Narrowing down the world to whom we daily  encounter, it is possible to be salt and light. We do this by staying focused on who we represent so we will not become indifferent to others.

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth and a light to the world.” Picture yourself enriching the lives of those you see each day with actions that prove Jesus is a part of your life. Imagine being a light that reflects the presence of God’s love to those who surround you.

Jesus encourages you to give others a taste of his goodness and kindness by the life you live. He challenges you to be a beacon that helps others navigate the darkness they encounter in their world. 

This is the purpose Jesus has called you to fulfill, and he promises to provide you with courage and eagerness to be that person. May God Bless you.     

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What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it – we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are.

~1 John 3:1 The Message

Many are the plans of a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.

~Proverbs 19:21 New International Version

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Vengeance: Give It Up, Turn It Over

One alternative to forgiveness is vengeance, which is an obstacle to happiness. The purpose of vengeance can be to side-step other troublesome emotions, like betrayal and hurt which are too painful to face. A person’s heart and mind may become so preoccupied with vengeance, forgiveness seems completely out of the question.

Divorce has the capacity for birthing and nurturing vengeance. Decades after a divorce, disgust and hatred still can dominate the lives of those who once loved and cherished each other. Research indicates that the emotional wounds inflicted by what caused divorce may remain raw and unhealed for years. Forgiveness counseling helps to heal these wounds.

What produces an attitude of vengeance? Vengeance is driven by the need to punish, if only in a passive-aggressive mode. The tragedy of this attitude is the influence it has on your relationship with God. Why don’t you consider giving it up by turning it over to the Lord Jesus Christ? It would please him for you to do so.  

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Do not take revenge on others or continue to hate them, but love your neighbors as you love yourself. I am the Lord.

~Leviticus 19:18 Good News Bible

My children, let us love not merely in theory or in words – let us love in sincerity and in practice!

~1 John 3:18 Phillips – The New Testament in Modern English