Life – Finding Honor and blessing in it

Proverbs 21:21

He who follows righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness and honor.

Have you ever known someone who seemed to have it all? They were honored – Perhaps wealthy – from all appearances they seem clean and fresh – content with their life and those who are in it.

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I think that if we were honest, this is exactly what most of us want. We want to be clean – honored – blessed with family that is the same – financially free – and truly able to do whatever we want when we want to do it.

I know that I want to have a life like this. BUT… Although God does desire blessings on our lifes, and He does raise up those who are really blessed and honorable, He never does so APART from trials and struggles and strong temptations – FIRST! This is just His way! He is more interested in how we respond in spiritual maturity – rather than our ease in life’s circumstances.

BUT SO FEW FIND:

RIGHTEOUSNESS – LIFE – HONOR – PEACE – JOY – CLEANLINESS FROM SINS EFFECTS – FRESH LIKE MINDED CHRIST CENTERED THOUGHTS –

BECAUSE – we don’t pursue them. Most Christians are:

1. Weighted down with sin and fear that is hard to carry and bear. They developed besetting sins when they were young and now they are hard to let go of. Fear Grips most of us because we have not learned to trust. (Ps. 84:11-12)

2. They do not know what they believe and cannot even support what they think they believe – because they do NOT STUDY GOD’S WORD

3. They are mostly like the world because they associate and feel more comfortable with the unsaved and unsantified. ( Perhaps they aren’t really saved anyway – Thank you “Seeker Friendly Movement” )

4. They do – what fullfills the flesh. They seek Pleasure and fullfillment more than they do the things of God as revealed in His word.

SO… Pretty heavy hugh? I am sorry if I come across frustrated or harsh. I have the gift of prophecy and so some may take offense to my forth-right-ness. But God has provided us a way to find the things we all want. It is simple and straightforward. If we – As Children of God – have come to Christ as prescribed in the Word of God, then we are to pursue:

1. Righteousness. This is whatever is apart from Sin. Things that are RIGHT and HONOR God. We are to shun anything that does not fit into this. The Spirit of God will show you if you are His son.

2. Mercy. Mercy from God for your sin. Do not allow sin to reign in your thoughts – actions – attitude – belief. FIGHT THEM and be quick to ask for the Mercy of God when you fail – because you will. Get back up. The wise man fall down but gets right back up again – because of the Mercy of God. It is yours in Christ.

WHAT will you FIND then if you pursue Right things.

1. The verse does not speak of this – but you will find persucutions, but rejoice! Your reward in heaven is great. (Matt. 5:10)

2. Life – Jesus came that you may have life and have it more abundantly! Abundantly found in Him alone. By the way… I am not speaking about things or money although they in them selves are not evil or wrong. I am talking about LIFE in Christ and Christ alone.

3. You will find Righteousness and all the things that come with it. Cleanliness of conscience. Free to enjoy God. Sin is no longer a dominating quality in your life because of what you NOW pursue. Being clean feel great. Being Right with God is a blessed feeling. When you sin, you are really saying to God that I will do as I want – and I will find fullfillment APART from obedience and righteousness. Come on… Really… Do we ever find that? Just be clean and walk in the righteouness of God, washing your mind with the Words of God every day, and the Peace that is only found in being obedient to Scripture. (Rom.12:1-2)

4. Honor. Humble yourself and God will exalt you in His time and in accordance to His purpose. But he rarely does so because HE DOES NOT SHARE HIS GLORY WITH ANYONE OR ANYTHING. How humble are you? When you do get the honor – Do you wear the hat? Be careful… Don’t think you bring anything to it. Real Honor is always attached to the truly humble, because God wants to share with you honor – but He does not want you to build your life on that platform of praise for your good deeds. What happens to you when you are treated like a servant – or persucuted? Do you well up with Pride and say…. “Hey… I am such and such… Do you know who you are speaking to or treating like this? Come on…. I am __________!”

Well, I hope this challenges you. It sure does me.

Tim Gowens