| Whatsoever
Things Are True
by Dan Coburn Pastor, Emmanuel Baptist Church pastordan@mtida.net Ever stay up till the wee hours assembling say a Christmas present for a child? Sleep deprivation, with a side of literally translated foreign instructions followed ultimately by an "as built" wimp clause, and "Eureka". Then, in the morning, the moment you've been waiting for. The Child is speechless in ecstatic glee ---- Not! The child cries out in disapproval. "This isn't at all what I had in mind" or the equivalent. Little Danny (spoiled child he is) is not at all reserved in relating his true feelings. No filter; no consideration for your feelings or the unselfish work you invested, only a mean spirited ungrateful rant. While you consider having experienced this or are in denial (my child would never do that), Let's turn the Spiritual Switch. We think ingratitude tantamount to a white lie, or a minor character flaw. It's just a small glitch in my countenance which I will surely outgrow. From God's perspective though, it's Celestial Treason. We are commanded to be thankful in all situations - 1st Thes. 5:18; in fact, it is "the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you". In Romans 1:18, God tells us why "the wrath of God is being poured out on all flesh..." and in vs 21, He begins a list of reasons for this wrath. #1 on the hit parade = -----"Because that when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful;......". Remember when the nation Israel was to enter into the promised land the first time? It didn't go well, and so the people "grumbled" - another synonym for being ungrateful. They died of worms, before the earth swallowed others. Point being, It is important; no Critical to our relationship w/God. Let's take it up another notch. What one word might you choose to describe all the rioters and looters (vandals and murderers) we see on the news daily? We must not allow ourselves to be anesthetized by the frequency of said behavior. They are perpetually angry. They are grateful for nothing, and misery loves company. God has a lot to say about these folks. He calls them Brute Beasts for example, and absent repentance, they will --- well, "Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things" - Phil. 3:17-19. But fear not - "And to you who are troubled rest (be content) with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed form heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;" 2nd Thes. 1:7-9. If you think you're upset with current affairs, know that God's Righteousness demands that all sin will be dealt with. "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men" - 2nd Cor. 5:11 What are you thankful for? |
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