The Choice is Clear: The Obvious Choice
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There was an old Sunny Delight commercial where some kids come into their friend’s house and enter the kitchen. Upon entering, they open the refrigerator looking for something to drink. They began to call out the choices – soda, purple stuff, and the like and then they all agree on the Sunny Delight.
The other products paled in comparison to the Sunny Delight. What is the point? Although there are many other beliefs, religions, and systems of worship, Christians should know that the choice they have made is the right choice, the clear choice, the only choice.
But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.1 Cor 8:6 (KJV)
We have to know as Christians that our belief in God is not a sign of arrogance, ignorance, or intolerance. We must know that God is truth and we cannot move from the truth of God revealed in Christ because of opposition.
Unlike other belief systems, we know that God’s salvation is available to ALL and given to ALL that will receive Him. With such goodness on display, the choice to come to God by Christ is the only clear choice.
Appreciate Christ: The Happiness of Salvation
Receiving Christ in your life as Savior is the best thing that could happen to you. However, there are many who are miserable and unhappy in their walk with Christ. This is due largely in part to personal comfort and conveniences. Many are unappreciative of their salvation because life is not going how they would like for it to go.
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Psalms 1:1 (KJV)
God gives us all things to enjoy freely. However, the joy and happiness of the Christian should not rest in material possessions and worldly gain. Joy and happiness should be founded upon the Christian’s deliverance from a life of sin and the bondages that come with it.
In Psalm 1, the writer tells us that blessed or happy is the man who does righteousness. When you do not walk in the counsel of the ungodly or stand (live) in the way of sinners, this should fuel your happiness.
When you are able to overcome sin and desire righteousness, this should be the basis for your happiness. Why? Because righteousness will bless you and others in this life and it will take you into the life that is to come. This is why you should appreciate your salvation even when life does not go how you would like it.
The Hallmark of a Disciple: Love is the Key
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Jesus came into the world to save man from sin. Biblical history reveals the continual rebellion and unrighteousness of men following the Fall. Yet, we see in the scriptures the love, patience, and mercy of God even upon those who refused to acknowledge Him. This “love legacy” of God culminated with Him sending His Son, Jesus. God loved the world so He sent Christ. Christ loved the world, so He gave His life – giving all that receive Him the ability to stand before God in peace.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:35 (KJV)
All those that receive Christ are His disciples. A Christian’s discipleship is verified by LOVE. Love is the hallmark of the disciple. Those who receive Christ have been recipients of God’s love, grace, and mercy. This should fuel the Christian’s resolve to share the love that they have received.
Although we carry God’s message to the world, Jesus stated that the disciple is known by his love for other disciples. How do we view and treat other Christian is the identifier for the disciple. So, where are you today in your Christian walk and discipleship experience? One way to evaluate it is by the love that is demonstrated to others.
Thank God I’m Forgiven: Appreciating Forgiveness
The message of salvation is wonderful. In a world filled with troubles and problems, one can always find comfort in the knowledge of God. Part of that knowledge is knowing that one’s sins are forgiven. Guilt is a destructive force and has crippled many people. Even after time has passed and others have forgotten, we can still feel guilty over sins and mistakes. This guilt sometimes is enhanced when one comes to know God through Jesus Christ.
Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Romans 4:7 (KJV)
We can rejoice on today knowing that God delights in mercy and forgiveness. The only thing He requires is that we are open and honest with Him about our weaknesses. Some feel that God gets tired of them and does not want to have mercy on them. This is simply not true.
Both Testaments reveal the longsuffering and mercy of God, even upon people who did not deserve it. How much the more will have mercy and bestow grace upon those who come to Him in sincerity. Do not trust only the forgiveness you received when you received Christ, but trust the forgiveness that is available even after coming to Him.
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