- Be angry at the right times but never sin in that anger.
- Be in the world but not of the world.
- There is a time to speak and a time to be quiet.
- Be holy as God is Holy and live by grace.
- Be loving and forgiving but do not compromise God’s truth.
If you believe that the above statements are meant to describe our lives as Christians then I am guessing you have bumped up against some of the complexities of life. I chose just a few biblical thoughts to illustrate how far beyond my own capabilities I am called to live day in and day out. If I am serious about my God and my faith I will quickly come to the conclusion that I need help – a lot of help.
For those of you who may not quickly resonate with the Bible’s reign in your life, I am guessing you can still relate to the fact that life is at times very complicated and at times we feel quite inadequate to live confidently in our decisions. For instance, have you ever wondered whether you should discipline your children or just hug them? Have you ever encountered a situation at work where ethics and relationships seem to be impossible to maintain at the same time? Or how about just staying “positive” while evil is real and my death awaits me?
It is in light of all of this need for help that I rejoice in God’s provision and care. Of course, we rejoice that the primary thing to know about Jesus is that He is our savior that has brought us hope, forgiveness and eternal life. But alongside that, it is vitally important to know that He is also the perfect example for us of how to live life to the fullest and honor God all along the way. Jesus knows all about relationships, joys, sorrows, temptations and everything else that comes our way. He came to Bethlehem in a perfect balance of “grace and truth” – then He lived each and every day in that same perfect balance!
We are to follow the example that Jesus has given us in the pages of Scripture and we are also blessed with the Holy Spirit of God that lives within us. The Spirit guides us into what is good and true in all situations. We are not alone or unequipped as we deal with all the complexities and troubles that life can send our way. So, the real question is, will we trust God’s ways or will we try to travel a different road?
- Ephesians 4:20-5:2
- That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
- Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Trusting Jesus as Savior and example,
Pastor Nick
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