From time to time I look at the blogs of the people I know, trying to keep up with them and what is happening in their lives. Recently I was reading the blog of a young person that Teresa and I have grown to love and I was somewhat concerned with a statement made there, “I admire him”. The “him” was a person who was active in helping others, which is a great thing to do. Paul says in Romans:
If our gift is to speak God's message, we should do it according to the faith that we have; if it is to serve, we should serve; if it is to teach, we should teach; if it is to encourage others, we should do so. Whoever shares with others should do it generously; whoever has authority should work hard; whoever shows kindness to others should do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8
What concerns me is people admiring people. That is like one painting admiring another painting. How many people admire of the painting of Mona Lisa but rarely admire the talent of Leonardo Da Vinci. And if they do admire Da Vinci do they ever admire the creator who gave Da Vinci those talents?
Rom 1:25 They exchange the truth about God for a lie; they worship and serve what God has created instead of the Creator himself, who is to be praised forever! Amen
Worshiping and serving created things leads to other sins (see Romans chapter 1) and some religions are basic on this sin:
Deu 5:7 " 'Worship no god but Me.
Know any tree huggers? Know anyone who trusts the stars instead of God? How about devil worshipers? Anyone who puts other people ahead of God?
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Mat 6:19-21
Where do you spend your time? A girl friend, or a boy friend?
Where do you spend your money? A boat, traveling, or shopping?
We all should get serious about what we do with our resources:
And He said to them, Watch and keep yourselves from covetousness. For a man's life is not in the abundance of the things which he possesses. Luke 12:15
"But God said to him, 'You fool! I will demand your life from you tonight! Now who will get what you've accumulated?' That's how it is when a person has material riches but is not rich in his relationship with God." Luke 12:20-21
Admiration of other people and physical things, should never be given priority in our lives. Even in our prayer life:
"So do not start worrying: 'Where will my food come from? or my drink? or my clothes?' (These are the things the pagans are always concerned about.) Your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things. Mat 6:31-33
John 14:15 "If you love me, you will obey my commandments.
John 15:14 And you are my friends if you do what I command you.
John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever disobeys the Son will not have life, but will remain under God's punishment.
James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Romans 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
2011 Romania Mission Trip
13 years ago
1 comment:
How true this is in our culture...admiring someone. The only "him" we should admire is Him. The American way...I can't possible have enough or the newest, latest gadget, or the biggest house, most expensive car, and the list goes on and on...I love the scripture you posted found in Luke 12:15. My value in life and admiration is found in Jesus Christ, God's one and only son...This is where a true follower of Christ needs to strive to remain.
Keep throwing the seeds!
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