We all know the world we live in today. It is fueled by fear, anger, conflict, fighting, etc. Just look around. We all feel the tension all over the world. How do we as Christians wrestle with these things in our lives?
The answer? We can't let them get down into our spirit and take root.
Heb. 13:15 NIV- See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
Bitterness, which is a crappy outlook on life, affects everyone around us in a negative way, which is "defiling many."
Our main purpose is for God to use our influence so that everyone around us will be saved.
If He uses all the Church, the whole planet can be saved.
Now we see why Satan works so hard all around us and even in our lives to produce all the negative stuff.
So what can we do?
Don't focus on it. Don't dwell on it. Don't let it take root in you. Acknowledge it and move on. We don't "bury our heads in the sand" and pretend everything is fine. That's living in denial. We see it for what it is and move on. Don't let bitterness spring up in us and grow.
Otherwise, it can produce other bad stuff like Paul talked about in Colossians 3.
"But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips." Col.3:8a. NIV
Focus on and do the good stuff which is rooted in love:
Colossians 3:12-15 NIV [12] Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. [15] Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
When troubles come and they will, tell God about it in prayer, trust Him to handle it, and move on. See? No time for it to take root in our heart.
1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV [6] Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. [7] Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Remember you are not the only one going through stuff and after we've suffered a little while, God will stop it. Don't let the junk take root in your heart.
1 Peter 5:8-10 NIV [8] Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. [9] Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. [10] And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Just like the purpose for my blog, I hope this post will "spur you on to love and good deeds."
I would like to encourage you to share this message with your friends, family, and colleagues. Subscribe to my blog to be notified when I add new content on here. Thanks for letting me be a part of your lives.
Love you all,
Jeffrey Post
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