Having a Kingdom Attitude 10

As we continue to seek ways to have less stress in our life, it is safe to say that a Christian's stress level is measured by how they view God's Word. It must be frustrating to call oneself a "Christian" and yet see the Bible as a non-important book for everyday living. Most Christians are living their life apart from the teachings of God's Word, and it should not surprise us that those Christians have lives that are as or even more stressful than those who would consider themselves unbelievers. When we study the New Testament, it is clear that the religious leaders of the day, the Pharisees, although religious, they were stressed out dudes. They lived by the strict letter of their own rules. Their joy came from telling others what they could not do, and walking around town hoping that people would recognize their sacrifices and their spirituality (6:5). Well, the source of true joy and happy comes when we realize that we have been saved to walk in freedom and liberty, not to hold onto a bunch of rules.
Jesus speaks in Matthew 5:17-20 the importance of living our lives under the guidance of God's Word. If we allow God's Word to be our guide, it is not a weight, but it will free us from needless worry, and helps us walk in victory and joy. There are four principles for living by God's Word that Christians need to embrace. First, live under the dominate Word of God (5:17). Both the Old and New Testaments are for our edifying, one does not trump the other. If allowed, God's Word should dominate every part of our life. Second, we need to live on the firm Word of God (5:18). God's Word is permanent, secure, stable forever; it is the perfect foundation to build your life upon. Third, live by the relevant Word of God (5:19). It gives us both warnings and blessings for how we use it. God's Word never goes out of date. Last, we ought to live intentionally with God's Word (5:20). God's Word has purpose, and if we chose to live our religion to be seen by men, then we will be known as hypocrites. But if we live righteously according to God's Word, then we will have a less stressful life. Until next time, keep walking close to Christ.

Having a Kingdom Attitude 9

Many years ago, Elihu Burrit wrote, "No human being can come into this world without increasing or diminishing the sum total of human happiness, not only of the present but of every subsequent age of humanity." When we come to Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus teaches us that true believers should strive to make a positive mark on this earth. He compares Christians to two objects - light & salt. Jesus states that when Christians live with a Kingdom attitude, they have a major influence in this dark and decaying environment. Sin brought darkness, decay, and death, yet Christ brings light & life. Jesus states that "you" are salt. In Bible days salt was very valuable, not only in preserving and favoring, but also it was used to pay the Roman soldiers (here is where we get the phrase 'not worth his salt'). But what Jesus had in this verse is the idea of preservation. When Christians live, talk, and act as their Master, then the evil influences in this world are weakened. Salt prevents the entire earth from degenerating even faster. Christians have the effect of delaying moral and spiritual rottenness.

Christians are also called to be "little lights", reflecting The Light of the World, Christ Jesus. What does light do? If both attracts and repels. It reveals the right path. It exposes what is right and wrong. This is why God leaves Christians in this wicked world - we have a mission to reveal the way to heaven for all men. Jesus reveals that with such a calling there is also a danger with both salt and light. First, even though salt could never lose its inherent saltiness; yet because of impurities, the salt would lose its effectiveness and strength. How many Christians have allowed worldly pollution to corrupt their testimonies? Second, with light, the danger is that we hide our testimony, thus minimizing the value and effectiveness of the light. Oh friend, when we are obedient to God's mission on this earth as salt and light, then the end result is God will be glorified by the world through our lives; thus bringing us a less stressed life. Well, until next time, keep walking close with Christ.