Are God's Standards Too Difficult to Honor?

Someone recently proclaimed, “I owe it to myself to get as much out of life as possible. I intend to live life to the fullest.” These words echoed a familiar mantra from two groups. The first group has little regard for accountability. Reminds me of the prodigal son.

In the second group, how they measure up is decided by God himself. Stop and think for a moment how you rank yourself as a member of the family of Jesus Christ. Consider how you serve, the courage you expend in seeking excellence in all areas of your life.

Revelation 2:4-5 refers to a group of Christians who compromised their faith. When they tried to infiltrate the church at Ephesus, their attempt was rejected. Those faithful to Christ believed a day of reckoning was coming for failing to uphold the values of Christ. Never compromise or turn loose of your love for Christ. 

In him there is peace and security.

_________ 

Whatever you do, work at it with [your whole being], as though you were working for the Lord God and not for people. Remember that the Lord will give you as a reward what he has kept for his people.

 ~Colossians 3:23-24 Good News Bible 

_________  

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.

 

How Are Bad Thoughts Obstacles to Peace of MInd?

Being subject to vicious thoughts and feelings can be an obstacle to enjoying everyday life. These thoughts and feelings are comparable to experiencing physical or emotional restrictions like believing something is true, acting as if it is true, when in fact it is not true.

Be on your guard about being pulled into situations that have some semblance of truth but are stumbling blocks to God’s purpose and plan. King Saul’s disturbed thinking created such distrust that David, his faithful servant, had to flee for his life.

Lack of faith and trust in God were the cause of Saul’s troubles that led to his death and the death of Jonathan, his son. James 1:21-22 tell you how to manage malicious thoughts and evil people: “Submit yourself to God and accept the words he plants in your heart. These words will save you. Do not just listen to God’s word; put it into practice each day.” His word is trustworthy. 

       

________ 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord, and not for people. In fact, the Lord Christ is the one you are really serving, and you know he will reward you.

~Colossians 3:23-24 Good News Bible/Contemporary English Version 

_________

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week. 

Is Worrying Worth the Effort?

If worrying is basically unproductive and implies that your faith is weak, what is an acceptable alternative? Worry is a strong indication that your faith is being tested. How would you know if your faith is strong or weak unless it has been tested?

So if you are extremely worried, do you need to clear out some debris or garbage you’ve allowed to take up residence in your thoughts and mind? Worry is related to what is beyond your ability to manage, so clear out what is a hindrance to your faith. Put your trust in Jesus.

An alternative to worrying is believing whatever you’re facing will eventually be for your good. That is God’s promise. 

Keep this at the center of your attention until worry and doubt have been replaced by peace. Jesus promised, ”It is my own peace I give to you.” Visualize Jesus doing this. Permit this alternative to worrying to strengthen your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.                      

_________ 

Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.

~Colossians 3:23-24 Christian Standard Bible

_________

Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.

Grow in Faith and Reap a Harvest of Righteousness - Part 1

Change without struggle is usually impossible but does not deny God’s instantaneously redeeming our souls. God’s mercies are definite motivations for changing old behaviors that are displeasing to him. When experiencing a crisis, we sincerely vow to change, but with time we sense ourselves slipping back into old thinking and behavior patterns.     

          Changes must be practiced diligently to prevent old, unhealthy behaviors from returning. We’re tempted to default on promises to reform by taking the path of least resistance. Jesus related how a man swept his house clean of an evil demon who had made his life miserable. The evil demon later returned with several fellow demons.

          Choosing to change means choosing to do the hard work of creating a new life style that includes what you know is pleasing to Christ Jesus. This is essential for preventing old habits from establishing even greater strangleholds. Greater is he who is in you, Christ Jesus, than he who is in the world. This is God’s promise.