Thinking Different This morning as I was reading in 1 Peter chapter 4 it reminded me of my younger days. Maybe to be more specific I was draw to my teenage years. I have spent most of my life being a people pleaser and it really started around 15. I think it’s fair to say that we can do the craziest things to be accepted. When I turned 15 and got into high school and kids were driving cars to school I wanted so badly to be in the in-crowd. I did everything I could do to connect with those older guys that had the really cool cars. Looking back to that time I realize it set the pace for the rest of my life. I’m a car guy and my identity at times was caught up in what I drove and being cool at any cost. Even to the cost of some horrific accidents that should have taken my life but God had a different plan. I love the way the message reads in 1 Peter chapter 4:1-13. I can really relate. Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want. You’ve already put in your time in that God-ignorant way of life, partying night after night, a drunken and profligate life. Now it’s time to be done with it for good. Of course, your old friends don’t understand why you don’t join in with the old gang anymore. But you don’t have to give an account to them. They’re the ones who will be called on the carpet—and before God himself. Listen to the Message. It was preached to those believers who are now dead, and yet even though they died (just as all people must), they will still get in on the life that God has given in Jesus. Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes! Friends, when life gets really difficult, don’t jump to the conclusion that God isn’t on the job. Instead, be glad that you are in the very thick of what Christ experienced. This is a spiritual refining process, with glory just around the corner. The last verse says…..So if you find life difficult because you’re doing what God said, take it in stride. Trust him. He knows what he’s doing, and he’ll keep on doing it. Thinking different for me is keeping my focus on pleasing God. Pleasing people always leaves me wanting.
Posted on: Sat, 14 Sep 2013 10:49:34 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015