Enlightenment

James 17 - 18 says: "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. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created." NIV

The Bible often compares goodness with light and evil with darkness.  We live in a world of perpetual darkness, often of our own design and efforts.  The freedom that God provides, we often turn our noses up at in a moments glance.

We are granted God's grace through the sacrifice of his one and only Son.  Many of us have taken those wonderful steps to ask Jesus into our hearts to guide our lives.  Yet in times of struggle, instead of running to him, we hop in our cars and drive away as fast as we can (figuratively speaking).

One of my favorite scriptures in the Bible is James 19 - 20 "19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." NIV

This anger that is generated from talking too much, listening too little, and letting our mouths write checks that we often pay without funds in the bank, is one of the main vehicles that the devil uses to drive a wedge between us and the glorious gifts that God provides.

Think about a time today when you could have used this principle;

What about yesterday?

Last week?

Last Month?

A rumour, some gossip, your feelings were hurt, you were not heard, somebody else got something you wanted, you did not get something you wanted, a memory of past pain resurfaced.

We live in a society where "speaking your mind" is encouraged.  While I am not advocating that one should never speak, I am advocating that what you say should be pleasing to God.

I have taught several classes on professional boundaries and one of the tests for employees to try their statements against is "Would I repeat this in front of: another client, their parents, my boss, etc." 

What James strives to remind us is to take this stance with everything that we say.  And remember, God knows what you are going to say before you say it.

There are many great directions from the Lord in the Bible for mankind to follow. 

Matthew 18 - 20: "18 All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." NIV

1 Corinthians 13:13 "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love.  But the greatest of these is love" NIV

There are more, but one of the most challenging comes again from the book of James.

James 22 "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. DO what it says." NIV

Think of all the blessings that have been bestowed upon you.  You have life everlasting.  Life will not be easy, but you have the Counselor of all Counselors, you have the King of all Kings, you have the greatest Defender of the weak to walk with you.

You have been granted the authority to carry forth the word of Jesus Christ to all nations.  You have been challenged to share his love and his grace with those who do not know him.  You are commissioned to open your arms to those who would rather smack you than talk to you.

Follow the light of the Lord. 

Open your ears.

Open your heart.

Guard your tongue and your anger.

Let God's love and grace flow through you.

Someone around you needs the enlightenment of God.

Blessings to each of you this day.  God loves you.

Pastor Jim