3 John 1:11
Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.
I think this scripture is very straight forward. We all have a choice. We can imitate good or evil. But today I want to take this a step further. My focus is not on what actions we decide to take, but rather on which values or causes we choose to support and identify with. As Christians, I hope that we would never choose to do evil to another. However, should we remain passive and do nothing when wrongdoing occurs, or even worse, celebrate the results of that evil.
When you study bullies there are three categories. First the bully and their allies, second the victims, and third the bystanders. The third group is the largest and therefore holds the most power. When this group chooses to not become involved, they are then passively siding with the bully. This is not what Jesus called Christians to do. On the contrary, Jesus taught that we are to be the defenders of the marginalized. When we witness injustice, hate, or fear, our Master urges us to speak up for those in need. And any that stand for the oppressed are glorifying our Lord Jesus the Christ by those actions.
Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.
I think this scripture is very straight forward. We all have a choice. We can imitate good or evil. But today I want to take this a step further. My focus is not on what actions we decide to take, but rather on which values or causes we choose to support and identify with. As Christians, I hope that we would never choose to do evil to another. However, should we remain passive and do nothing when wrongdoing occurs, or even worse, celebrate the results of that evil.
When you study bullies there are three categories. First the bully and their allies, second the victims, and third the bystanders. The third group is the largest and therefore holds the most power. When this group chooses to not become involved, they are then passively siding with the bully. This is not what Jesus called Christians to do. On the contrary, Jesus taught that we are to be the defenders of the marginalized. When we witness injustice, hate, or fear, our Master urges us to speak up for those in need. And any that stand for the oppressed are glorifying our Lord Jesus the Christ by those actions.
James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Recognizing God’s Daily Blessings
Far too often, we find ourselves focusing on what we lack rather than appreciating what we have. Modern society tends to dwell on our shortcomings and failures, overshadowing the moments of success and gratitude. This pattern of thinking can be used as a distraction, steering our attention away from the blessings that fill our lives each day.
In light of this, it is important to pause and follow the wisdom found in the old hymn: “Count your Blessings.” Every day, God provides for our needs—an act rooted in pure, unfathomable love. By taking time to reflect on the blessings we receive, and by naming them, we become more aware of the depth of God's love for each of us. This practice not only brings gratitude to the forefront but also reminds us of the constant care and provision that God offers daily.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Recognizing God’s Daily Blessings
Far too often, we find ourselves focusing on what we lack rather than appreciating what we have. Modern society tends to dwell on our shortcomings and failures, overshadowing the moments of success and gratitude. This pattern of thinking can be used as a distraction, steering our attention away from the blessings that fill our lives each day.
In light of this, it is important to pause and follow the wisdom found in the old hymn: “Count your Blessings.” Every day, God provides for our needs—an act rooted in pure, unfathomable love. By taking time to reflect on the blessings we receive, and by naming them, we become more aware of the depth of God's love for each of us. This practice not only brings gratitude to the forefront but also reminds us of the constant care and provision that God offers daily.
Mattthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Serving God Above All
It is crucial for every Christian to remember a fundamental truth: we cannot allow ourselves to lose sight of whom we are truly called to serve. In our modern society, countless influences compete to become the primary focus of our lives. The relentless pursuit of wealth, the desire for power, and, for many, even the daily challenge to meet basic needs, all vie for our attention. Any one of these pursuits can easily take center stage, distracting us from our highest calling—to serve God first and foremost.
Ultimately, our lives will not be measured by worldly standards but by the love for which God created us. When we live according to the world’s expectations, true peace and fulfillment remain elusive, as we are always striving for the next goal or achievement. In contrast, when we devote ourselves to serving God alone, we discover the peace that surpasses all understanding, as promised in scripture. By making God our only true master, we open ourselves to a life of serenity and purpose.
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Serving God Above All
It is crucial for every Christian to remember a fundamental truth: we cannot allow ourselves to lose sight of whom we are truly called to serve. In our modern society, countless influences compete to become the primary focus of our lives. The relentless pursuit of wealth, the desire for power, and, for many, even the daily challenge to meet basic needs, all vie for our attention. Any one of these pursuits can easily take center stage, distracting us from our highest calling—to serve God first and foremost.
Ultimately, our lives will not be measured by worldly standards but by the love for which God created us. When we live according to the world’s expectations, true peace and fulfillment remain elusive, as we are always striving for the next goal or achievement. In contrast, when we devote ourselves to serving God alone, we discover the peace that surpasses all understanding, as promised in scripture. By making God our only true master, we open ourselves to a life of serenity and purpose.
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
The evil present in our world encourages us to embrace greed and selfishness. Society often promotes the belief that we must prioritize our own needs above all else, leaving little room to genuinely care for others. This mindset suggests that the struggles and needs of others are theirs alone to manage, and that our main concern should be our own advancement. In such an environment, true joy is elusive, as life becomes an endless pursuit of personal goals and achievements. The constant glorification of our own accomplishments, even when it comes at the expense of others, only reinforces this cycle of self-importance.
Jesus taught a radically different message, which Paul continued to spread. The good news was not about self-promotion, but about becoming servants first. Jesus exemplified this through His life, and ultimately, through His death on the cross. We are called to embrace humility, putting the needs of others before our own. It is in this act of valuing others above ourselves that we truly live into our purpose and reflect what we were created to be.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
The evil present in our world encourages us to embrace greed and selfishness. Society often promotes the belief that we must prioritize our own needs above all else, leaving little room to genuinely care for others. This mindset suggests that the struggles and needs of others are theirs alone to manage, and that our main concern should be our own advancement. In such an environment, true joy is elusive, as life becomes an endless pursuit of personal goals and achievements. The constant glorification of our own accomplishments, even when it comes at the expense of others, only reinforces this cycle of self-importance.
Jesus taught a radically different message, which Paul continued to spread. The good news was not about self-promotion, but about becoming servants first. Jesus exemplified this through His life, and ultimately, through His death on the cross. We are called to embrace humility, putting the needs of others before our own. It is in this act of valuing others above ourselves that we truly live into our purpose and reflect what we were created to be.
James 4:6 (NIV)
6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”[c]
Grace: A Gift Received in Humility
The central message for us is clear: God’s grace is a free gift. It is not something we earn, nor is it something we could ever be worthy of through our own actions. Instead, grace is given to us out of God’s unconditional love. To fully embrace and experience this gift, we are called to approach God with humility. Rather than taking pride in what we have accomplished or earned, we are encouraged to be thankful for what God has generously provided. It is from this place of humility and gratitude that we discover true peace, recognizing and resting in the depth of God’s love for us.
6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud
but shows favor to the humble.”[c]
Grace: A Gift Received in Humility
The central message for us is clear: God’s grace is a free gift. It is not something we earn, nor is it something we could ever be worthy of through our own actions. Instead, grace is given to us out of God’s unconditional love. To fully embrace and experience this gift, we are called to approach God with humility. Rather than taking pride in what we have accomplished or earned, we are encouraged to be thankful for what God has generously provided. It is from this place of humility and gratitude that we discover true peace, recognizing and resting in the depth of God’s love for us.
