Last time, we talked about what happens when we begin to align ourselves under God's authority and practice the things he teaches us about how to live. We get stability and balanced living and can grow healthy and flourish; live fulfilling and meaningful lives; and be successful, balanced, content, and joy-filled. The first one was to focus on having good relationships. To read that article, click HERE.
Today, I want to continue uncovering more of God's priorities, knowing that sometimes we are just ignorant about what he wants from us! Some of these things are so obvious we barely give them another thought. We just do them naturally or have learned this lesson already. But other times, we live our lives oblivious to what we're doing or not doing and just need a good smack in the head to wake us up! I can relate to this, by-the-way! I've had many hard smacks that have had to result in me adjusting my life to be more in line with God's priorities.
We can know without a shadow of a doubt that God wants these things:
To further the gospel. (Mark 8:35-36)
To build His church. (Eph. 4:11-16)
To protect and promote unity and peace with other believers and among people in the world. (Eph. 4:1-6)
To have followers who are faithful to Him and others and to persevere in the faith even when it's hard or dangerous. (John 15:5-8; Heb. 12:1-3; Phil 2:14-16)
For us to practice others-centered living (Phil. 2:3-4)
For us to mature as a believer, to grow in wisdom and favor in God's eyes and among men. (Col. 1:28-29; Eph. 4:11-13)
To have moral followers, who live within the boundaries of the Ten Commandments - his moral code. (Mark 8:36; 1 Cor. 13:1-3)
To have generous followers, those who give to the poor and needy, and anyone who is in need. (2 Cor 9:7; Acts 4:34)
When I study things, I like to also ponder the opposite side to the points I'm learning. Sometime it brings me more clarity than if I just read them as is. For example, see what speaks to you when you read the opposite for the points above:
To never tell anyone about Jesus and his life-saving grace, thus condemning them to a life in hell without God's love and presence.
To fight against the prospering of His church and work against God's community and purpose for His people.
To be dividers and breakers of community and one who sows discord and discontentment to other people;
To give over to the whims of other people and the world when times get tough;
To practice selfishness, which leads to being alone or surface relationships;
To never grow in maturity or wisdom, being stunted in your current mentality; disfavored among of God and man;
Following your own moral code and reaping the consequences of your choices;
To be stingy and greedy, thus never becoming a blessing to others.
As you read those lists, did any of them spark something in you either positively or negatively? How are you doing in these areas? These are hard things to do sometimes, I agree. But when we do them and put them into practice throughout our Christian walk, we will begin to experience a tremendous amount of joy and blessing and honor in our life. And isn't that what we really want? Lives full of joy, blessing, and honor? All of these roads lead to balance -- one that walks with God and adjusts accordingly when you get off track.
Until next time,
Jennifer
P.S. I would love to hear from you about some of the ways you are dealing with imbalance or misaligned priorities. You can email me directly at jennifer.edwards@ptlb.com. Remember, a great life is only as great as its relationships!
P.S.S. Check out previous Life Is Relationships issues. Click here to visit our blog.
A great tool to foster God's priorities for all of your relationships.
The Keys to Grapeness: Growing a Spirit-led Life by Gil Stieglitz
Learn what it means to really love the other people in you life; to really show patience with others; to sow peace into people's lives.
Order today by clicking HERE.