There are over seven billion people in the world. Chances are, no matter what you say, no matter what you create, no matter what you invent, there will always be people who dislike it, oppose it, disagree with it or just simply ignore it. These people will always be there, so its important to not get caught up in their opinions, but its also important to not get too caught up in positive opinions. I think theres a level to care about peer opinions, and its important to not let that level dominate motivation or inspiration. The way I figure, nuclear bombs have not even been around for a hundred years. Since their creation, theyve only been used twice on civilization. I find it highly unlikely that, oh lets say two thousand years from now, people will look at history from that viewpoint and say, Yep, nuclear bombs have only been used twice this whole time, for two millenia weve managed not to nuke each other. Its only a matter of time I believe. According to some, belief is all Christianity is about. You just gotta believe this stuff and thats all that matters. I highly disagree with that. Belief is nothing more than the cause to the effect. and its the effect that matters. Let me explain: The whole thing can be compared to a tree. Belief would be the seed that starts the whole thing. The growing tree would be the maturing disciple and the fruit would be the good works which result from a healthy tree, or committed follower. The important product of the tree is its fruit, and in the same way, the important product of a Christian is good works, or godly living that reflects the inner condition of a heart belonging to Christ, indwelt by the Spirit. Belief is just the start of it all, so its the initiator, but it can also be said to be the sustainer, metaphorically speaking, belief progresses from the seed to the roots which sustains the life of the tree. Without the seed, theres no tree (or Christ-like life) to begin with, and without the roots theres no nourishment (or sustained discipleship). So belief is important, yes, but its not everything, its the cause to the effect which is holy living as a disciple (or imitator) of Jesus Christ. What are some fruits? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Also humility, forgiveness, purity, etc. These virtues exhibited in a life are what matters, and belief that these are Gods commands spur on these habits. Belief that Jesus sanctifies us when we fall short of following these is vitally important, and belief that He saved us from the penalty of our sins is key, but belief that Jesus our Savior commands us to be obedient and bear these fruits in His name is the motivator for doing these good works. Belief is important, but it is not everything, it is the cause to the effect, a piece to the whole. Whats important is living a life guided by the Spirit to bear fruit and in so doing be more like Christ daily, and this all results from belief that Jesus is who He says He is, and He did what He says He did on the cross at Calvary.
Posted on: Wed, 20 Aug 2014 05:18:28 +0000
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