.jpg)
Were looking at a devotional series titled, "8-Principles for embracing trials," and it is based off the Scripture in James 1:2 where we are commanded to, "Count it all joy when you face various trials." To be able to "Count it all joy," we must realize, God is allowing these trials as part of His way of shaping and transforming us to be like Christ, and to be properly prepared for Christian ministry.
In Part 4, we looked our fourth principle for embracing trials, which is, "The Trials allowed by God here on earth will help us to keep our hope fixed on eternity." So, let's take a look at our fifth principle for embracing trials.
5. When God allows trials to come into our lives, it reveals the true object of our love.
We can derive our proper priorities in our Christian life by reading God's Word. We should always be putting God first, and then others. We should never place anything above our love for God. We see this plainly stated in the Old Testament.
"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, Deuteronomy 10:12 (NKJV)
Jesus affirmed these priorities in the New Testament also, as recorded in the Book of Matthew. We see Him giving the answer when a Pharisee asked Him, "What is the Great Commandment?"
Jesus said to him, "You shall love the LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.'
This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 22:37-40 (NKJV)
A proper Christian heart is one that is "Others centered." It is selfless rather than selfish.
The Apostle Paul spoke of this principle as well in his letter to the Philippians.
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Philippians 2:3 (NKJV)
When we go through trials, we will be faced to choose whether we will be selfish - serving our own needs. Or, we, like Christ can choose to be selfless - esteeming others more important. Jesus modeled this perfectly as He laid down His life for others - we are to be imitators of Him.
Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:1-2 (NKJV)
Q: What does this mean to us as Christians, practically speaking?
It means we will trust God in the midst of our trials, knowing His provision is abundant. We will seek the Lord in prayer, and share what we have with those in need - all those He has called us to share with, giving all glory and honor to God. It means we will abide in His love by following His commands and ways instead of following our own desires and feelings. This is a true love for God - walking in faith despite the temptations to quit.
Hey Christian, God is going to allow us all a chance to run the obstacle course known as life. We will all face various impasses - challenging our perseverance, endurance and patience. As we seek the Lord in all things, He will guide us perfectly through any maze of challenges we face (Proverbs. 3:5-6)
I want to encourage you today to seek the Lord in the midst of trials, and show Him how much you love Him by abiding in Him and His Word.
STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn about what true love is, and how we should act by the Scriptures contained within this devotional?
PERSONAL INVENTORY: Do you love God?
APPLICATION: Seek the Lord in every decision - put others first and pray about how you can serve them. Give all glory and honor to God.
No comments:
Post a Comment