EMPHASIS

 

IT IS A MATTER OF EMPHASIS

Matthew [MKJV] 16:25-26 [Jesus explained] For whoever desires to save his life shall lose it, and whoever desires to lose his life for My sake shall find it. For what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? [Mk.8:36]

Matthew Henry commented “Here is the law of discipleship laid down, and the terms fixed, upon which we may have the honour and benefit of it, Mat_16:24. He [Jesus] said this to his disciples, not only that they might instruct others concerning it, but that by this rule they might examine their own security.”

  Yesterday I pondered and wrote of how we may, above godly character, impress the importance of worldly success standards on children (and adults!). Indeed, such achievement is important, but it should not be taught or exemplified above that which worshipfully pleases God and is eternal. (Rom.12:1-2) We can easily naively emphasize worldly living. Doing so resulting in “We don’t understand. We took them to church every time the doors were open.” or some such puzzlement.  It saddens me to openly write my observation of this happening.

  Some relevant verses to prayerfully consider:

Psalm_4:3  But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.

2Corinthians_1:12; 7:9-11  For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. … Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

1Timothy_1:4  Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

Titus_2:12  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Hebrews_12:28  Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

2Peter_2:9  The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:

1Timothy_2:2; 4:7-8; 6:3, 5-6, 11  [pray] For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. … But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. … If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; … Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. … But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

2Timothy_3:5  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

2Peter_1:3, 6-7; 3:11  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: … And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. … Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

  Prioritizing values presently is of the utmost magnitude.

EBB4