March 12, 2023
Greetings and blessings to all of you. In Phil. 2:14-18 the Word states, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing that you may be blameless and innocent children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation among whom you shine as lights in the world... holding fast to the word of life ……”. Paul is reminding us that our attitude is just as important as our actions. Attitude begins in the mind. In the story of Cain and Abel God asked Cain before he killed his brother Abel, “Why are you angry?” From God’s perspective Cain had already murdered Abel in his heart before he murdered him with his hands. And how did our Lord feel about the Israelites who “murmured in their tents” against Moses and Aaron out of an attitude of jealously toward them? Grumbling and murmuring are defined as having a secret displeasure of the heart that is not openly declared. Again, it begins in the mind. Christians must learn to love like Christ. We are able to do this because we have the Holy Spirit in us; if indeed we are Born Again. We can all begin today… if we obey the Scriptures. In I Peter 4:8-9 says, “and above all things have fervent love for one another for love will cover a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.” Paul is speaking to believers; followers of Christ. God wants us to understand that it is always an issue of the heart when we are feeling discontented; wanting to please ourselves instead of God. We as believers need to adopt- pleasing God- as we strive to illuminate to this lost world and fellow believers the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Christians believe they only sin in “acts” lying, gambling, drinking, sexual acts outside of marriage, filthy language, etc. but we tend to forget about our thinking. Our thinking must be clothed in love. We represent Christ all day long therefore we are asked by Christ to bear with one another and forgiving one another for the goal of restoring with mercy and grace. In (Col. 3:12-17) the Word says, “And let the peace of God rule in your heart. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching, and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” So, if you are thinking “evil/not so kind thoughts” you would not be able to pull this off. However, if we walk (think) in the Spirit... we shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
With the Love of Christ
First Lady Vivian C. Currie
Pastor ALC