Back to the Basics

"Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth... He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Christ is also the head of the church which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ." Colossians 1:15-16, 17-19

God sent His son to die for us, live as an example, and give us that physical image that, as humans, we all need and yearn for. Christ always was and always will be because He is God. As the example, He is our example and our church. He holds us together, and teaches how to operate as followers, believers, and leaders. Trust in Him, because He is the beginning. Believe in Him, because He and God are the same. Follow Him, because He is the example. Love Him, because He died for our failures.

There are NO Favorites

Have you ever heard that some people, teachers, friends, animals and so on pick favorites? That they choose who to follow, who to obey, who to give special treats to, and who to acknowledge over others. Well, God does not pick favorites.

" Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites." Colossians 3:24-25

When we are saved, God promises us that we will have an eternal life with Him. He promises us that inheritance. That's a pretty big deal. However, God does not pick favorites, we will all be judged based on our lives, how we lived for Him, and maybe, how we haven't been living for Him. In this verse, Paul clearly says that God doesn't and won't pick favorites. He doesn't care who you are, where you come from, and all the other stuff that you have done. It's about what you are doing for Him. If you do something wrong, and do not ask for forgiveness, you will be judged for that. He won't just forget, if you don't ask him for forgiveness.

So next time you say, "It's ok if I say this or do this, because I'm a Christian." IF you justify doing wrong because you think you'll be ok in the long run. God has no favorites. We are supposed to live for Him. "Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us." Colossians 3:11b

Today's Tid Bit... Motives

Today, right off the bat, I would like to start with a word of prayer to maybe, just maybe, help us understand what God is trying to tell us today.

Father God, I just pray that you would help us understand what you are trying to tell us through this next passage. Help us understand what the right motives are, and how much that matters to you. God, I just pray that you would open our hearts and our minds so that we might become a better, more obedient child in your family.

"Declare me innocent, O Lord, for I have acted with integrity; I have trusted in the Lord without wavering. Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and my heart. For I am always aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth. I do not spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites. I hate the gatherings of those who do evil, and I refuse to join in with the wicked. I wash my hands to declare my innocence. I come to your altar, O Lord, singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your wonders. I love your sanctuary, Lord, the place where your glorious presence dwells. Don't let me suffer the fate of sinners. Don't condemn me along with murderers. Their hands are dirty with evil schemes, and they constantly take bribes. But I am not like that; I live with integrity. So redeem me and show me mercy. Now I stand on solid ground, and I will publicly praise the Lord." Psalm 26

My first thought when I read this was,"Wow, David sure had some guts to tell God to put him on trial and test his motives!" I mean think about it. David was asking the God of all creation, our God that will judge us and has the power to do absolutely anything, not to mention that God knows all of our thoughts, actions, and motives behind them. I don't know about you, but I would definitely be scared of some of the things God would bring up in the court room.

Motives are one of the most important things as Christians, because God says that He knows our thoughts even before we think them. He knows why we are doing what we are doing. So, no matter how many poor we feed, kids we teach, people we clothe, and sermons we preach- if we don't do them with the right motives.... it doesn't matter. It was done, not for the glory of God, but for what ever other reason we may have at the time. I Corinthians 10:31 says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (ESV).

So next time that we do anything, let us think about why we are doing it. Is it for the glory and honor of God? Can we be bold, like David, and say to the Lord, "Test my motives and my heart"?Are we standing on solid ground, or are we in the sinking sand. All He asks is that everything we do, glorify Him. What are our motives today?