Monday, December 17, 2007

How We're Meant to Live

Peter the Apostle

The Apostle Peter exhorts us to "hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ".

Firstly, take note there is a day coming in which Jesus Christ is going to be revealed.

Secondly, consider that on that day there is an abundant grace which is going to be brought to us who believe.

Thirdly, we are to live mindful of that day and what it will bring us. We are to hope perfectly for it, to hope to the end for it.

So the primary object of the faith Jesus Christ gave you is not things in this life only - such as prosperity, dominion or success. The primary object of your faith is that day and what it will bring you - things like vindication, resurrection, eternal life and eternal glory in His Kingdom.

Since that is the case, we ought to set our affection on, and make our goal, things above - not things of the earth. For the things that are seen are only temporary but the things that are unseen are eternal. Our citizenship is in heaven. Our calling is heavenly.

In the meantime, we shine as lights in a dark world among the wicked and those who know not God.

To be thus-minded eliminates avarice, which is the root of all evil and it elevates charity (love) above all else.

Does that mean we don't engage the world - the academic, economic, social, political & cultural spheres of this world? No, because love doesn't withdraw - love engages. Being heaven-minded mints our earthly activity with a Christ-like stamp of quality. And whose life has influenced this world for good, throughout every generation, more than our Savior Jesus Christ. And second to him might be the Apostle Paul.

They showed that through aspiring to the heavenly calling rather than focusing on the earth; through serving, rather than dictating; through dying rather than living; through seeking the will of our heavenly Father not our own will; through sacrifice for the sake of the Name of Jesus and the Gospel - we leave in our wake a vastly improved world, improved in all of its spheres, benefiting all nations and generations - until He comes.

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