Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Memory of the Month:Proverbs 15:1-A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Today's reading: JEREMIAH 3-5 1 TIMOTHY 4
Set An Example...
In Speech, In Conduct, In Love, In Faith and In Purity
Paul tells Timothy, (and us), to set an example in the things in today's title. We live in this world pushed by greed and the need for acceptance and somehow forget that we are being watched all the time by someone who needs a positive spiritual example. This is good if we are on top of all these things but getting lazy and letting our guards down is all too easy.
We need to guard our hearts.
Proverbs 4:23-Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
1 Timothy 4:12...set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
It simply takes hard work. But to work on these things individually is the wrong direction. Working on our God-consciousness and seeking His kingdom will ensure our hearts are in the right place and all these other things will fall into place. But it will not happen on its own. Be diligent and watchful.
1 Peter 5:8
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.
Are you on top-the one with all the answers and clout? The example of one with gentle answers in wisdom and peace is the one you should be. How are you doing with that?
Are you one who has orders to follow all the time? Are you the one who has never had the calling to be a leader? Are you the one with a servant's heart?
We have said this before: High or low self esteem means that you, yourself-you are your focus. This is not the mind of Christ. Seeking God and His kingdom above all else is the answer.
John the Baptizer was a pretty big name until Jesus came on the scene and he knew what he must do and said,
"He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:30
Jesus had his 'human' struggles. Once He prayed, " Father, if You are willing, take this cup away from Me. Yet not My will, but Your will, be done."
"Not my will"-Jesus' words tell us that 'His will' at that point was to not go through all that He would have to from there to the tomb...
We must recognize the humanness of Christ here. He wanted us to see that He had feelings like we have-but without sin. He offered His will up to God without saying it but by humbling Himself under God's will.
If you have the servant heart, God's will is for you to serve in surrendered humility.
1 Corinthians 9:19 ►Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
Matthew 5:41-And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
Ephesians 6:5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
From the top to the bottom, we must have the servant's heart-why? Christ Jesus wants our lives to be His example on this earth-every waking minute.
Set His example...what people see of you as a follower of Christ may very well be their idea of Christ.
...because He loves us...
Father in Heaven,
I confess, my focus is usually on me and what others think of me instead of what others think of You. I give you my mind. Shape my thinking with Your mind, oh God.
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