“….since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.’” – Colossians 3:9-15
You know what “profiling” is don’t you? Making
assumptions about someone else base upon what they look like or where they
happen to be. God is a discerner of the
heart, as all Spirit led Christians should be, but the natural man cannot discern
the heart so he makes assumptions based upon the external. I wrote about how we
like groups yesterday. Being a Christian
is being part of a group – the family of God. Paul wrote that although there
may be external or circumstantial differences between Christians – we are all
the same inside. We are to “put on” love. That is an intentional act on our
part. Like getting dressed – it takes deliberate thought and action.
We make spiritual choices every day. We choose
between our old nature and our new nature throughout the day. We very often
give or withhold love and acceptance based upon the natural – the consensus of
the group we most identify with. Race and politics are the popular sources of
division today. If you are from one race you are most likely a racist – if you
are associated with one party you are a socialist. We are so much more comfortable if we can just
sort people out – put them in a box – oh if we could only just depend upon the
externals. But – as a Christian that is actually sin. WHAT!!!
“to him who knows to do good and does not do
it, to him it is sin.” – James 4:17
If you have read this far, then you read the
first verse reference at the beginning. I am not making this stuff up. It is in the Bible – you know that Book that
you embrace as God’s revelation to mankind.
So if you didn’t before, you now know the good to do. Spiritual
discernment and the demonstration of God’s love to others depends upon having a
right heart before God. (BTW, there are only two boxes – the lost and the saved
and those have eternal consequences)
“….do not forget my law, But let your heart keep
my commands; For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. Let
not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the
tablet of your heart, [Be Deliberate] And so find
favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with
all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways
acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own
eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And
strength to your bones.” – Proverbs 3:1-8
Think about it – Pray about it - Believe it –
walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. And remember ….
“If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his
brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen,
how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from
Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.” – 1 John 4:20-21
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His
Glory Alone
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