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| Volume 25 Number 2 February 2023 |
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| Volume 25 Number 2 February 2023 |
Page 4 |
Robert Johnson
There has never been a time when it was easy to live the Christian life. Such is certainly true today, as the pressure to conform generated by our society is often intense. The temptations we face are not only great, but they can even be deadly. How can we live as New Testament Christians in any generation as God intends for His followers? How can we have an influence for good in the lives of those with whom we interact?
Although the problems we face in the 21st century may seem different to us than they were to those in the 1st century, the solution is the same. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world” (1 John 2:16 NASB). Every temptation ever faced by anyone falls into these categories. Although the exact nature and severity of what one faces may be different today, all temptations still fall under these divisions. If this is true, then the Bible still holds the key for success in making it through life as a faithful child of God.
The Bible offers two ways to be successful in overcoming temptation, as well as being a positive example to others. First, remember that Jesus walked this path before us. He knows everything through which we’re going, and Jesus can sympathize with us, as well as offer His help and support in times of need. The writer of Hebrews noted, “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (4:15-16). Paul also emphasized, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to humanity. God is faithful, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation He will also provide a way of escape so that you are able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). We must realize Jesus’ desire is for us to overcome sin and its influence in our lives. He goes with us always to encourage us to be victorious over temptation.
A second avenue of help to overcome sin and live as God desires is to stop and ask ourselves what Christ has revealed to us in His Word. Paul stressed in Colossians 3:16, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” When you are placed in a situation in which you’re not sure or have self-doubts, seek what Christ reveals in Scripture; it’s how He speaks to us today. This takes the issues we face from the realm of emotions (whether you personally want to do it or not) and seeks to be objective in finding an answer (Is it right or wrong?). Jesus always has our best interests at heart, and by following His example and teaching, we will not go wrong.
Other people and challenging situations can make life difficult, but Christ gives us answers. All spiritual blessings are found only in Christ (Ephesians 1:3), and in Him life is worth living. Life can be lived without regret if we put Jesus first. As is often sung, “Without Him I could do nothing, Without Him I’d surely fail, Without Him I would be drifting, Like a ship without a sail. Without Him I would be dying, Without Him I’d be enslaved, Without Him life would be worthless, But with Jesus thank God I’m saved.”
Worth
Thomas Baxley
How much is a 5-dollar bill worth? What if it is old? What if it is dirty? What if I crumple it up, throw it on the ground, step on it with my shoe and grind it into the ground? What if it has a few small tears in it? Though its looks change, it still remains worth the same amount as before. In life, we will grow old, get dirty, get bruised and cut up, become sick, and get stepped on and ground into the dust. These circumstances do not change our worth. Our worth is not diminished one bit. Our worth has already been determined by God, and we need to remember that. Our value changes only in the eyes of people. Sometimes, we will be valuable and important to them, but sometimes not so much. In God’s eyes, however, our worth never changes. How much are we worth to God? Read John 3:16 and remind yourself.