I have been trying to practice putting off and putting on. It is quite the uphill battle. Most of the time the godly reaction goes quite against what my flesh wants to do. It has helped me to picture it as putting off self and putting on Christ and others.
This fourth chapter deals with God's pattern for relationships. Martha Peace uses the Trinity as our example. On page 29 she has characteristics of the Trinity listed along with characteristics of fallen man. It is quite a contrast.
The thoughts that struck me most from this chapter are as follows: page 30: "God's norm for man within relationships is to be like and act like the Lord Jesus Christ." He is our standard. That is probably as far as any of us have to read to be convicted. Jesus submitted to the Father's will in everything and His every thought was the Father and others. His love was sacrificial. No hidden agendas..no selfish motives. Which leads me into the next pertinent thought made my Martha Peace on page 30 and 31.
"In order to be perfected in unity, you must stop asking yourself questions like "What will it do for me?" or "what will I get out of it?" "How will it met my desires?" (needs) Instead, ask yourself "How can we glorify God?" or How can we walk in a pleasing manner with God enjoying Him as we go?" The verse I thought of here was Romans 12:1. (you know that living sacrifice verse)
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
This thought process of how can I react in a way that will be pleasing to God is alien in the world in which we live. It takes much discipline and meditation on Scripture. 1st Timothy 4:6-8 also came to mind.
"If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. "
It tells us that continual feeding on the truths of Scripture is essential to the spiritual health of all Christians. It also speaks of exercising oneself toward godliness. Again, that practice of godliness..that putting off of self and putting on Jesus Christ. We will be blessed temporally and eternally. Another verse that comes to mind is in Colossians 3:1-3.
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. "
Have the inner disposition or compass that should be pointed North...you know toward Heaven. Eyes off your circumstances...Heavenly thoughts can only come from study and meditation on Scripture.
Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Saturate yourself with the Word of God...
Grace to You!
Jean
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