We are living in a really odd time right now. People are isolated physically, emotionally and spiritually. Opinions are strong and emotions are running wild but that’s okay. We need this period of growth for our minds and for our hearts.
“For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” 1 Corinthians 14:33
Last February my pastor mentioned at church that this year we were going to reintroduce Christianity to our community. He said that some of society had created their own interpretation of the Bible and are teaching off script. I remember thinking to myself, “That is absolutely correct. I am going to study more and really watch my words. I am also going to listen for opportunities to teach GOD’S word accurately!” And then the pandemic hit almost like Satan tried to derail me and others set on this course of correction.
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
I have found during the last five months that I see people drifting away from attending church. This may be because so many churches have been closed do to the pandemic. I won’t talk politics but churches, hospitals, homeless shelters, etc. should never have their doors closed or keep people from coming in. These are places that protect, heal and do good. Okay enough of that, off my soapbox. I have asked several people how they have continued to worship during the pandemic and I was surprised at the number of people that say they haven’t joined in online or only stream their church on YouTube when it is convenient for them to watch.
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16
You may say I am crazy and that’s okay too but to me the answer is simple. Go to the Bible. The Bible can be read online, in a book, on Kindle, watched on a video, shared by word of mouth and so on. It’s everywhere and it tells us everything. The first step to reintroducing Christianity is to read our Bibles. The Bible is the owner’s manual or instruction manual to life. It has every answer to every problem. I know people say to me that my approach is too simple and that life is more complicated than I make it. I say I respect their opinion but proceed to explain why I feel differently.
But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Hebrews 4:4
To me the Bible teaches the unconditional love that God offers us and the example he sets every time He offers grace and mercy to us. It shows how much He loved us to send Jesus to earth to reconcile us with Him and to forgive our sins. Do any of us show unconditional love to anyone? Love that has no conditions, just acceptance? Where would society be if we extended unconditional love? Accepting others as God’s children and here for reasons only known to God. I would have to say a whole lot better off than we are now. The sooner we accept that God chose everyone for His purpose maybe we can be more accepting.
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace. Ephesians 1:7
I know we currently see many people constantly concerned about how everything affects them. They are more worried about how they will benefit rather than what is right. Is this a test from God to see if we will continue to follow His word instead our own free will? I’m not sure but I do know that in Galatians 6:9-10 it says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” God is telling us to always do good to have a better life. It doesn’t say to think of ourselves and what we want.
The Bible tells us how to love God first and then our brothers and sisters. Love not hate, love not condemn, love not judge, love as God commands. If more people practiced this simple way of life we would all feel more peace. If we loved more without judgement we would see the beauty in others that God produced. There are many that don’t know our Heavenly Father and we are here to share His word to them to have a better life. Be patient if they don’t know Jesus and help them learn and understand. Plant the seed even if it takes years to grow and bloom.
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1 John 3:1
I would ask you to get into God’s Word daily. We can only practice kindness when we know our blessings that come with His promises written in the Bible. Understanding the simple teachings in the Bible draws us closer to His Holy Spirit living within us and the more in tune to Him, the more peace in our heart and the more love and gratitude we can express to God and others. Practice and teach basic Christianity to society because as Christians we are called to do this.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16
My love and gratitude-LoLo
gratefulgratitude.net 