DIVISIONS

WRONGLY DIVIDING

Thursday, September 19, 2019

  Matthew 16:24-25 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

  1Corinthians 12:14-20 For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If all the body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If all hearing, where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body as it has pleased Him. And if they were all one member, where would be the body? But now indeed many are the members, yet only one body. 

  1Thessalonians 5:18-19 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit.

  I’ve pondered the wrongly dividing the Word of Truth by looking at and thinking by Bible verses taken apart from the greater context; an example being that work is man’s bane, when it really is a holy assignment from our Creator. (Gen.1:28-31; 2:15, 20a) Looking at work as something to be avoided is missing not just His assignment, but erring seriously from His wisdom and thereof great blessing lost.

 Affecting shunning of work is embraced curse for both individual and nation. We don’t have be a history major to see that able people deliberately “Living on the dole.” entitlement lifestyle as opposed to honorable endeavor has destroyed more than one civilization and is eroding more than one this day.

  Along with rejecting work as holy assignment is another injurious wrongly dividing of sum that is God’s. It is Gnostic belief from ancient pagan Greek thought and philosophy: The concept that there is a spiritual world and a physical world; Spiritual being higher, the physical lower. The present common cataloging being Spiritual versus Secular, as though secular is distinctly different category than spiritual.

  This dualistic mindset is both congregant and congregational harmful, suppressing God’s Holy Spirit and thereby hindering our holy assignment. (1Thes.5:18-19)

  To believe that “full-time Christian service” comes under title different than garbage collector, lawyer, ditch digger, engineer, tradesman, artist et al . . . and that it requires seminary lettering, pastor, overseas missionary is detrimental to overall health and vigor of the church.

  How can we possibly live with cheerful heart in godly preservation if we live a divided life?  (Prov.17:22; 1Thes.5:23) Unless we live with renewed thinking, we cannot! (Rom.12:1-3)

  All that trust Lord Jesus Christ, whatever our position in life we’re called to His full-time service. (Mt.16:24-25; Philemon)

  I close with Paul’s exhortation on the matter: “Brothers and sisters, in view of all we have just shared about God's compassion, I encourage you to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, dedicated to God and pleasing to him. This kind of worship is appropriate for you. Don't become like the people of this world. Instead, change the way you think. Then you will always be able to determine what God really wants-what is good, pleasing, and perfect. Because of the kindness that God has shown me, I ask you not to think of yourselves more highly than you should. Instead, your thoughts should lead you to use good judgment based on what God has given each of you as believers. Our bodies have many parts, but these parts don't all do the same thing. [1Cor.12:1-31] ... Don't be lazy in showing your devotion. Use your energy to serve the Lord. Be happy in your confidence, be patient in trouble, and pray continually. … Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil with good.’” (GW Rom.12:1-21, underlining mine.)

EBB4