August 12, 2022Dear friends,
In the past two weeks, we have looked at four areas where we need to heed God’s warnings: 1. Resist Being A People Pleaser; 2. Be Very Careful How You Live; 3. Make Sure to Test the Spirits; and 4. Let Go of Empty Words.
Today, let’s look at two more areas, as examined in the following article: https://www.ibelieve.com/faith/10-warnings-in-the-bible-we-don-t-take-seriously-enough.html.
“5. Put Aside Revenge
As Christians, how do we handle being lied about, wronged, mistreated, or cheated out of things such as promotions, positions, or belongings that should have rightfully been ours?
Do we follow current social protocol, such as going online to expose the injustice and spread the word of what the offender did to us? Or do we submit the wrong to God and trust Him to make things right?
Scripture urges, “Do not say, ‘I’ll pay you back for this wrong!’ Wait for the Lord, and He will avenge you” (Proverbs 20:22).
Jesus is the ultimate example of trusting God, as described in 1 Peter 2:23: “When they hurled their insults at Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.”
In suffering, we can look to Christ and follow His steps as our example in walking through it (1 Peter 2:21).
6. Use Your Influential Power Wisely
Has anyone ever introduced you or pushed you to try certain activities with the potential to lead you astray and away from God?
If so, consider what “Jesus said to His disciples: ‘Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come’” (Luke 17:1).
Stressing the seriousness of leading others astray, Jesus said, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea” (Matthew 18:6).
It’s important for us to be extremely careful how we influence others, understanding God’s warning concerning leading others astray. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 urges us to encourage one another and build each other up.
Likewise, Hebrews 10:24 say, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
May we persevere in encouraging others to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the source of everything that we need to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Scripture for the weekend: “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NKJV)
Thought for the weekend: “Grieving is a natural and healthy process, but the Christian’s grief should look different from that of others who have no hope. Christians grieve with a confidence that deceased believers are safe in heaven, thus their grief is mixed with comfort and even joy. Christ’s death and resurrection are the basis for the resurrection of believers (1 Cor. 15:42-57).” –
Dr. David Jeremiah (from “The Jeremiah Study Bible”)