Two things that will last forever are people and God's Word. As we think about those who surround us- our family, our friends, our coworkers, our acquaintances- we realize that they shape us. People do that. They also have the tendency to sharpen us. People can shelter us, and they will occasionally even shake us.
The people we spend time with shape us. They help us become who we are and who we aren't. I think about how my parents helped shape me- teaching me how to be a good and hard worker, how to do the right things, how to manage time and money. Think about the teachers and coaches who may have helped shape you for better. Actually, there is even a physical aspect of the idea of people shaping us, like how they say that you start to look like the ones you spend countless hours with in life.
People sharpen us. They grow from interaction with one another. "As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend"- Proverbs 27:17 This is why it is vital as believers to spend time with other believers when we can and especially in a local church. It is essential to sharpen each other as the world only tries to do the opposite-to dull us and attempt to make us powerless in our walk of life.
People, they shelter us when we need comfort and protection. When you think about those you love most, a reflection of it always will display an intent to shelter them.
Sometimes, people can shake us, helping us see an error in our behavior or thinking or a wrong direction. There are occasions when it is necessary to awaken from our comfort zones.
God's Word also shapes us. As we faithfully turn to His Truth, we see what is right, what isn't right, how to be right, and how to stay that way. We are changed in His presence as we look into the "perfect law of liberty", which sets us free.
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness," - 2 Timothy 3:16
His Word sharpens us because it is sharper than any two-edged sword. We will gradually become who He destined us to become, more like the Son, as we are sharpened by the Truth. Dive into His Word, deeply mining the treasures that await.
The promises of God simply do not change, therefore we can know the shelter of He who is our Mighty Fortress as we love and obey His words.
And yes, at times we will read the Scriptures and be shaken. He can shake us from a slumber of a sin that we like to hold on to. Or His Word can shake us from our comfort zones of not sharing the Good News of the gospel. After all, what are we here for? I believe it is to know God and make Him known. Though sometimes we can feel discomfort for sharing about Jesus and the cross, we must remember that ultimately at the end of the day or life, it is all about what Jesus has done, and our response to Him in our heart of hearts.
"Praising and loving God with all your being, adoring and obeying Christ, pursuing holiness, cherishing fellowship with other saints-those are the elements of heavenly life we can begin to taste in this world. Those same pursuits and privileges will occupy us forever, but we can begin to practice them even now."- John MacArthur
Newness of life is lived knowing what matters most, and people and the Word of God stand high atop the list.
A prayer: Father in Heaven, thank you so much for the people You let me share life with. Please help me to know when it is time to be sharpened, shaken, and seek shelter. Help me also to spend my time, more time in reading and studying Your words of life. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment