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 God's Word never goes out of date.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.