Tag: Balance

Hard Work Pays Off

Genesis 44:14-17

The average person who works to maintain a steady income, seeks to fulfill all their assigned duties, so that there will be no problems or issues when pay day comes. Many of us dress ourselves in such a fashion, that we exemplify what our position represents. We arrive to work clean, well kempt, and giving off sweet smelling fragrances. Most people care about how they look at work, and also how they perform. They take pride in the work they do, and seek to go above and beyond what’s expected of them. When problems arise, we work diligently to correct all issues that may have gone wrong, and our end goal is to prove to our superiors, that we are well able to perform all duties assigned to us, as well as show them that our hard work deserves just recompense.

Imagine for a moment, if we took the same approach as we do working for worldly men, and applied the same work ethics to living for God. Do you monitor how you dress yourself on a daily basis (as being a representation of holiness)? Do you love God and keep His commandments diligently, and wholeheartedly? How do you expect God to reward you on judgment day, based on the fruit you produced during your lifetime? Reconsider all the effort you put forth to please men, and redirect some of that time and effort into fulfilling God’s will for your life. While it’s commanded in Scripture for man to work, it’s also commanded that we bring forth fruit meet for repentance. Strive to maintain a healthy balance of physical and spiritual labor, knowing that in the end, God will reward us not for clocking in and out at work, but for what we accomplish for His kingdom.

We live this life for purpose and reason, but not too long, for only a season.

Ell

God Brings Balance

Leviticus 25:8-17

The Year of Jubile, was an exciting season, ordained by God, so that all Hebrews could receive a fresh start in their way of living. During this hallowed year, people were required to live off their increase, so that the land could rest, and lie untended, for a season. Not only was the land given room to breath, but the people were also commanded to rest from work. God knew the importance of balance and fairness, so He made certain that during this year, business was to get a fresh start as well. This was a time when all mortgages were canceled, servants released back to there families, all debts forgiven, and all lands were reverted to the original owners. Jubile was set aside to be holy, and a time where liberty was proclaimed throughout the lands, and unto all the people there. God also stressed, that when conducting business, men were to be fair, and not oppress one another, during this time.

How I wish America feared God in such a way, that His standards ruled the government. Some say this country was founded on godly principles, but its obvious men have long pushed those standards aside, in place of their own ideals. Rather than proclaim liberty, fairness, and respect for our fellow man, this country is divided by parties, social classes, and the color of a man’s skin. Could you imagine how incredible it would be, if a year was set aside, where the government canceled everyone’s debt, including mortgage, credit card bills, student loans, and more? Although that’s only a fairytale, it would allow an opportunity for all things to return to balance.

Well, I guess I’ll snap out of my daydream, and focus back on reality. While we try to maintain balance in this world of unjust leaders, be certain to treat your fellow brothers and sisters with godly love, and respect. Always be honest, and keep God first in all your dealings. “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell

Mission Possible

Luke 4:14-21

This world is dying. Chaos resides among men, on every continent of the planet. People are hurting, hungry, and in need of many things. While some live lavish, basking in the accumulation of their wealth and possessions, others would be grateful to have a hot shower, and warm meal. There’s no balance in the earth, because sin has caused men to behave in ways that are immoral, and ungodly. In its present state, the world will only get worse, so God has a plan to destroy, and renew what was once sinless and beautiful.

Until the time comes for this world to pass, the body of Christ must be diligent in sharing the Gospel with others. People need hope in something real, and not in things that will eventually fade away. Believers must dare to be different, as was Christ, when He presented His purpose and mission, to His own people of Nazareth. Jesus boldly proclaimed, He was anointed to preach the Gospel to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, preach deliverance to the captives, recover sight to the blind, and free those who are bruised. The world back then, may not have been as vile and wicked as today, but there were still many who needed God’s deliverance from certain issues. Jesus gave the people hope, and assurance that better was coming. Despite dealing with unfavorable circumstances, God would come through for those who love Him in the end.

It’s the duty of the Saints, to continue spreading the Gospel to the world, even though it’s often rejected. There are many yearning for better in this life, but need a little encouragement, to press on, and not give up. Jesus took His calling seriously, and obeyed His Father despite the naysayers, so we should not allow anyone to stop us from obeying the will of God. Consider all those who are in worse conditions than yourself, then pray to God for them, that they will endure, until the end.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell