Issue 884 – Signs – October 16, 2022
This group of signs (along with others) is not located in a typical situation. They are in the woods alongside a walking/equestrian trail in rural Alberta. The trails can be busy, and it isn’t unusual for riders to encounter other riders or hikers to meet horses. The signs are accurate but probably not required.
Humans are odd creatures. We desire our freedom and rebel against authority, yet at the same time, we need direction. Teens are perhaps the most obvious example. They rebel as they try to establish their (needed) autonomy, yet a part of them also seeks to know where the boundaries and limits are.
Christians frequently test the boundaries. When I pastored, I was often asked questions about “I know the Bible says, “x” but can I do “y”?” Have I broken the rules if I only go this far on a date? What if I only give this much? It isn’t really stealing if it is supplies from the office… right? It isn’t really adultery if God brought my mistress and me together … right?
When we get in that mode, we are missing the point of God’s laws and commands. They are not designed to restrict our freedom; they are intended to guide us toward holiness and contentment.
Perhaps we do get the point, but we want to justify our sin because somehow we are special, and God’s laws don’t apply. It is flawed thinking.
When we consider our lives, the question shouldn’t be “What can I get away with?” or “How far can I push things?” That is a sign that you need to reconsider your thought process.
The question ought to be, “What pleases God?”
What pleases God?
Faith and trust in Him.
“… without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
If you love me, you will keep my commandments. John 14:15
Of course, it is impossible to obey Him perfectly in our flesh. Fortunately, we have forgiveness for that.
The standard isn’t perfection, or none of us could be saved. His standard is faith and trust, which leads to trust and obedience. He is pleased when we seek to be holy rather than searching for loopholes.
Our works and efforts are not what save us. They are a sign that we are seeking to please the Lord.
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. James 2:14-18
Remember, it isn’t by works that we are saved. Works are the evidence, not the cause.
What do the signs of your life say? Are you walking toward God or away from Him?
Remember the old song, as you go, “trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey.”
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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