Not My Best Friends

I John 4:16-18 (NIV)

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. ¹⁷In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. ¹⁸There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

How we make decisions as Christians is a perfect litmus test to measure our maturity as Christians.  Fear should only be a factor as it applies to God and His Holiness, not a normal determinant in our everyday life.  I cannot tell you how many times I am approached by Christians who tell me they are afraid of the future, they are afraid for me and what I might possibly do as a leader, or they just view the world through the lenses and perspective of fear.

Fear and it's best friend Worry should have no room at the table of a Christians life.  They do not spur you on towards good works nor do they encourage you or others.  They paralyze and discourage.  They keep us from being who and what we are supposed to be.  They keep us from getting in the boat and more importantly from getting out of the boat, to walk towards Christ(John 6:16-21).

We must cast off the best friends, who are among the greatest enemies to Christians.  We must choose to live and react to a different formula.  Most would say, "Is it Biblical?"  This is a waste of time.  The question possesses a deep fault.  The question sets as its expectation that everything is contained, referenced and explained in the Bible.  This is false.  John 21:25 takes care of that.  The Bible does not explain everything.  It explains what the Holy Spirit wants us to understand about God, His Love and His Plan to restore us and empower us.  It will not tell us exactly whether or not we should drive a car, go to school or how to plan our funerals.

Within the bible there are concepts and principles that we can apply, but placing "Biblical" in our thinking process is just Fear and Worry masquerading in intellectualism.  We can check our decisions against the clear teachings of do's and don'ts but most of the time we have to weigh out decisions, with our mind, heart and soul.

Here is some help with how we should base our decisions:

1.  Does this decision bring glory and honor to God?

2.  Does this decision show the love that lives in me?

3.  Does this decision show my faith and Hope in God?

Prayer-

May all I do bring glory and honor to you and may my love for you and others grow as I trust in you and respond in obedience.  God bless me with your courage and your comfort as I step into deeper trust in you and the things of you.  God set your Spirit on me more today than ever before.  May my strength come from you and may, you who empowers, talents and sustains be lifted up and shared with the nations.  -amen

Comments

[Doug Eaton]

Sounds like a Biblical approach to decision making to me. ;-)

Actually, I fully agree with what you are hitting upon when you make the statement about being Biblical. Some people think that if it is not in the scripture then it shouldn't be part of our thinking. The problem with that is that, that thought itself is not in the scripture.

The questions at the end of your devotion also cause me to think of the great question and answer in the Westminster Larger Catechism. "What is the chief end of man? To Glorify God and enjoy Him forever." If we fail to keep the goal of our life at the forefront of our decision making process, then fear and worry about the things of this life will surely take its place.

"Fear should only be a factor as it applies to God and His Holiness, not a normal determinant in our everyday life." Well said Nathan, that is a great truth.

God Bless,

Doug

[Jen]

Nathan, thank you