“Ya Da!”

Today’s media is on a reporting frenzy. Every time there is a good deed done, they make a magnificent banner and announce it to the whole world. The people say they are inspired. And more good deeds are sought. Now a celebrity circus comes to town. Who will be next to be bathed in the spotlight of “Good”?

Take a note of this: did anyone hear a trumpet blast from heaven as the leaves sprouted on the trees of winter? On the birth of every child, does anyone hear angels sing a magnificent chorus from heaven? Is any good deed from God heralded like a man heralds his own good deeds?

Yet God alone is purely good, continuous, eternally, majestically. Does anyone see a difference here? Or is it just me?

When we are done doing what good we do, let everyman say, “I have only done what I should”. If you will be like Jesus, reject accolades.

1“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

2“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Righteous World?

I read the news and I see promising headlines.  Certain things are discontinued because the world has considered them obscene.

I used to be fooled into thinking the world had second guessed its war against God.  But age has taught me something valuable.

The world makes not one small step toward God.  It simply hauls back the things that are not acceptable among those with money.

They make no moves to become righteous.  Everything they do is simply a re-posturing in their greedy desires.

Those who see these things and feel a twinge of hope, are willingly deceived.  The righteousness of God continues uninterrupted.  And of the wickedness of the world continues uninterrupted.

Do not be fooled.  The righteousness of God is holy; the very thing the world hates with all its strength.  Holy provides no profit for the things of men.

From Thought to Thought.

Image via Wikipedia

What does the mind do when I’m not looking?  Listen to what’s being thought.   We are told to bring every thought under our control.  It’s not like I can stop the thoughts from coming.  But I can certainly nip them in the bud.  I see a person.   What thought responds to my eyes?  Does it need to be smashed by the self control Jesus affords me?  I see a commercial on TV or a billboard.  What does that sight inspire?  If it’s not a godly thought or response, then I need to address it immediately.  For it’s in the thoughts that a man begins a sin.  And if I can listen to what I’m thinking I have a better chance of avoiding great saddness later.

 

By His Grace.