Lessons from the King: Two Ways

Back in January of 2011, Jenny and I were engaged, and I began preaching my first series through the Sermon on the Mount up in Storm Lake, Iowa. I was eager to prepare well, so I bought a few books—some commentaries, and a couple of older works. One was John Wesley’s book on the Sermon on the Mount—Jenny was attending a Free Methodist Church, so I figured I’d better get to know Wesley a bit. Another was by a guy named Emmet Fox. I didn’t know who he was—just saw it was an older book with good reviews on Amazon, so I downloaded it to my new Kindle.

It didn’t take long to realize something was off. As I read Fox’s take, his teaching felt…self-focused. It wasn’t lining up with what Jesus was saying in the Sermon on the Mount. It was more about me than the Kingdom. So, I Googled him. Turns out, Emmet Fox was a New Thought leader—a philosophy that says if you just think the right thoughts, you can manifest your desires. That’s infiltrated everything in our culture—from self-help books to Oprah to even corners of Christianity.

Here’s the thing: I spotted that as false because it didn’t match what I’d been taught about following Jesus, how I practiced following Him, or what biblical scholars have said for centuries. That moment taught me something crucial—discernment isn’t optional for us as followers of Jesus. It’s what keeps us on the right path. This is the truth Jesus teaches in Matthew 7:13-23. We need to be people of discernment.

Discernment Keeps Us on the Narrow Road

Through the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us what it means to live as Kingdom citizens—to see God’s will done on earth as in heaven. It’s not about us—our comfort, our dreams. It’s about God’s Kingdom and our loyalty to King Jesus. In Matthew 7:13-23, as He wraps up this sermon, He doesn’t give new rules. He gives a warning: without discernment, we’ll follow the wrong way.

Two Roads, One Choice (Matthew 7:13-14)

Jesus says, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” When Matthew wrote this, Jerusalem’s destruction in 70 AD was still future. People thought the Kingdom would come through violence, power, and wealth—the wide road. But Jesus points to the narrow way: poor in spirit, meek, merciful, peacemakers.

For them, it wasn’t “hell vs. heaven” like we might read it today. It was “destruction vs. life”—the popular way or Jesus’ way. He wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44) because they missed it. Today, the warning’s for us, the church. Are we chasing power, comfort, wealth, or Jesus’ character and dependence on God? Ask yourself: Am I following Jesus’ vision for the Kingdom, or my desires with Him as a mascot?

Watch Out for Wolves (Matthew 7:15-20)

Then Jesus warns, “Watch out for false prophets… By their fruit you will recognize them.” Not false teachers—prophets. They claim to speak for God, with visions and dreams. They’re dangerous because they sound right—talking about the Father, Jesus, the Spirit—but lead us off the narrow road. In Jesus’ day, they might’ve preached rebellion and riches. Today, it could be prosperity or self-fulfillment dressed up as faith.

Test them, Jesus says. Don’t just swallow their words. Here’s how:

1. Be vigilant with anyone claiming to be a prophet—don’t lower your guard.
2. Compare their teaching to Scripture and wise counsel (that’s how I spotted Emmet Fox).
3. Look at their lives—deception or integrity? A false prophet can’t live the narrow way any more than a thistle can grow grapes.

The Sobering Truth (Matthew 7:21-23)

Jesus gets real: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father.” People will say, “Didn’t we prophesy? Perform miracles?” And He’ll reply, “I never knew you.” It’s not about words or wonders—it’s about a life reflecting the Beatitudes, a heart transformed by the Spirit, a relationship with the King.

You can think you’re on the narrow road and miss it. So evaluate: Are you following Jesus’ way or what feels right to you? To stay on track, do this daily: pledge allegiance to King Jesus and surrender to the Holy Spirit. That’s the path.

Living It Out

Matthew 7:13-23 isn’t just about salvation—it’s about whether we’ll follow God’s way as His people. Jesus warns us because He loves us too much to let us wander. The Kingdom isn’t popular or comfortable—it’s Jesus’ character, teaching, and reign. Test the voices you hear—Scripture and fruit, not feelings, are your guide. Test your heart, too.

The big idea is this: Citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven are discerning about what influences their live so they can remain on the narrow road of King Jesus. Discernment isn’t optional—it’s survival. Test the voices you listen to—weigh them against Scripture, watch how they live. But more than that, test your own heart. Pledge your allegiance to King Jesus. Surrender to the Spirit’s leading. That’s how we stay on the narrow road. That’s how we become citizens who don’t just pray “Your Kingdom come,” but live it out—right here, right now.

To paraphrase Dietrich Bonhoeffer from the book The Martyred Christian: “God’s will isn’t ours to control—it’s His grace, fresh daily. It’s not your gut feeling or a spiritual rule. God reveals His will only to those who seek it anew.” We don’t set the Kingdom’s path—that’s the King’s job. Follow Jesus. Use His words in these chapters to weigh everything. That’s the narrow road of King Jesus.

A Prayer for the Journey

Take a moment. Thank God for Jesus and His Kingdom. Ask for wisdom to live as a good citizen. Surrender to the Spirit. If God’s nudging you to follow Jesus more closely, don’t wait—reach out to someone today. Let’s pray: “God, thank You for Jesus. Give us wisdom to follow Your way. We surrender to Your Spirit. Keep us on the narrow road. Amen.”

The True Weight of Words: A Proper Understanding of Proverbs 18:21

 

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” — Proverbs 18:21 (CSB)

It’s a striking verse—one that’s rung through centuries of sermons and conversations, and more recently, been picked up by teachers who claim our words can shape reality itself. Speak health, they say, and you’ll be healed. Declare wealth, and prosperity will follow. Confess negativity, and calamity’s at your door.

It’s an appealing thought: the tongue as a tool of creation, a spiritual switch to flip blessings on. But is that really what Proverbs 18:21 means? I don’t think so—and here’s why.

Our Words Are Not Magic

Some teachers latch onto this proverb like it’s a promise of power. They frame it as a cause-and-effect system: say the right words, muster enough faith, and reality bends to your will. It’s a theology of control, where you play a little god, mimicking Genesis 1’s “And God said” to summon your desires into being.

On the surface, it’s tempting. Who wouldn’t want to talk their dreams into existence? But dig into the text and the broader biblical story, and this idea starts to unravel.

A Closer Look at Proverbs

Proverbs is part of Israel’s wisdom literature, a book of short, memorable sayings designed to give God’s people the godly knowledge they need to live well in His world. These aren’t universal promises but general truths—guidelines that say, “Live this way, and this is the likely outcome.”

In Proverbs 18:21, the “tongue” isn’t a magic wand—it’s a symbol of speech, a human gift with real influence. “Death and life” aren’t always literal (though they can be in extreme cases); more often, they point to the power of words to build up or tear down.

A kind word can breathe life into a broken heart or anxious soul; a cruel one can stab like a dagger. “Those who love it will eat its fruit” isn’t a reward for positive thinking—it’s a warning and a promise: your words carry consequences, and you’ll live with them.

Think about it. Gossip can shatter a friendship. Encouragement can spur someone onward. Lies unravel trust; truth mends it. That’s the “fruit”—the natural, relational, moral outcomes of what we say. Proverbs isn’t offering a cheat code for life; it’s calling us to responsibility.

Don’t Miss the Mark

To get Proverbs right, we have to remember they’re generally true, pointing us in the right direction—not ironclad guarantees. Some misunderstand Proverbs 18:21 by assuming words don’t just influence—they create. But that’s not what the text says. It’s not about speaking things into existence like God does—it’s about navigating life wisely.

Scripture reserves ultimate power over life and death for God alone (Deuteronomy 32:39, Psalm 90:3). James 3 echoes this, calling the tongue a “small fire” that can blaze out of control—potent and dangerous, but not a divine command center.

Historically, Proverbs was written for a community seeking to live as God’s holy people, not for individuals trying to manipulate their circumstances. Twisting it into a promise of godlike power reflects a modern, New Thought lens—not the ancient Israelite wisdom it’s rooted in.

Saying “I am healed” might boost your mood, but it won’t rewrite your DNA. Declaring “I am rich” won’t pad your wallet—though it might wear out your friends’ patience.

The Real Power of the Tongue

So what does Proverbs 18:21 mean? It’s a call to mindfulness. Your words matter—not because they rule the universe, but because they shape the hearts and minds of people, yourself included.

I still carry words spoken to me decades ago—some that lifted me up, others that cut deep. Make no mistake: how we speak is a moral act, a reflection of our hearts (Matthew 12:34).

Speak life—truth, kindness, hope—and you’ll see the fruit of stronger bonds and a clearer conscience. Speak death—bitterness, deceit, rage—and you’ll reap isolation and regret. It’s not magic; it’s cause and effect in the messy, beautiful reality of human life.

That’s the wisdom this proverb offers God’s people. It’s not about mastering a spiritual trick; it’s about stewarding the gift of speech. The tongue’s power isn’t in forcing reality to our will—it’s in aligning our words with God’s truth and love.

A Better Way Forward

If you’ve bought into the idea that words can conjure miracles, my take might feel like a letdown. No more speaking your way to success?

But here’s the freedom: you’re not chained to chasing the perfect phrase, wondering why the “fruit” doesn’t match your expectations. Instead, you can focus on what’s real—using your words to reflect grace, to heal rather than harm, to point to King Jesus, the One who truly holds power over life and death.

Proverbs 18:21 isn’t a blank check for our wishes. It’s a mirror for our hearts and a guide for our mouths. Let’s use it wisely.

Sunday Prayer: Don’t Judge

"Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged. For you will be judged by the same standard with which you judge others, and you will be measured by the same measure you use." — Matthew 7:1-2 (CSB)

Heavenly Father,

You see every heart, and Your judgment is perfect. I come before You asking for help with the words of Jesus in Matthew 7: “Do not judge, so that you won’t be judged.” Lord, I confess it’s easy to point fingers, to measure others by my own flawed standards. Forgive me for the times I’ve condemned instead of loved, for when I’ve been quick to criticize without grace.

Give me wisdom, God, to see people as You do—to judge rightly when I must, with humility and truth, not pride or harshness. Let me remember that the measure I use will come back to me, and soften my heart to reflect Your mercy instead. Help me to leave room for Your justice and to trust You with what I can’t fix.

Thank You for Your forgiveness that covers my failures. Teach me to extend that same forgiveness to others, so I can live free from bitterness and full of Your peace.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

3 Actions for Making Wise Decisions

Our lives are shaped by the choices we make. Big decisions—like whether to marry or pursue a career—often steal the spotlight, but it’s the small, everyday choices that quietly steer our course. Together, these decisions—grand and mundane—form the map of our existence. Since every choice matters, we need a reliable foundation for making wise ones. Thankfully, Scripture offers exactly that.

Jesus teaches this truth vividly in Matthew 7:24-27 (NLT):

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

Here, Jesus ties wisdom to a life rooted in His words—a foundation strong enough to weather any storm. This echoes His Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13:1-23, where the “good soil” represents those who hear, understand, and bear fruit from God’s Word. The entire Bible, as the voice of Jesus, provides the wisdom we need for decision-making. But how do we build this foundation? From Jesus’ teachings, we can distill three essential actions: Listen, Believe, and Change.

1. Listen to Jesus

Listening isn’t passive hearing—it’s an active choice. We all hear the noise of life with functioning ears, but listening means tuning out distractions to focus on what matters. In Matthew 13:9, Jesus urges, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” Reading the Bible isn’t enough; we must approach it eager to grasp God’s intent and apply it to our lives. Like the disciples who sought clarity on the parable (Matthew 13:10), we should dig into Scripture with purpose, asking: What is God saying, and how does it shape my choices today?

2. Believe Jesus

Listening alone doesn’t build the foundation—belief brings it to life. In Matthew 13:18-23, Jesus explains that only the “good soil” truly receives the Word, understanding and trusting it. The foolish hear Jesus but dismiss Him—unconvinced of His identity as God’s Son or the truth of His words. Without belief, His teaching stays theoretical, never touching their decisions. The wise, however, trust Jesus fully. They see Him as the cornerstone of truth, and this faith guides their choices. Belief turns words on a page into a living compass for life’s big and small moments.

3. Change the Way We Live

Belief demands action. In Matthew 7, the wise don’t just hear—they obey. In Matthew 13:23, the good soil “produces a crop”—fruitful change that proves trust in Jesus. This step is where faith gets real: adjusting our lives to align with His will, even when it clashes with the world’s ways. The foolish hear but stay unchanged, like seed choked by thorns (Matthew 13:22)—distracted by worries or wealth. The wise let Jesus’ words reshape their priorities, habits, and decisions. Change shouts our trust louder than words ever could.

Living It Out

Every day, we face a barrage of choices—some snap decisions, others weighty deliberations. In our fast-paced world, we rarely have time to mull every option. That’s why a solid foundation matters. By listening to Jesus, believing His truth, and changing our lives to match it, we root ourselves in God’s Word. This isn’t just theory—it’s practical wisdom for navigating life.

Without this bedrock, we’re tossed by the shifting winds of culture and circumstance. With it, we stand firm, no matter the storm. The Parable of the Sower reminds us that God’s Word is a seed with transformative power—but only if we’re good soil. So, what kind of soil are you? The choice to listen, believe, and change starts today—and it’s a decision that shapes all the rest.

Be Wise

Robert Fulghum once wrote in the Kansas City Times, "Most of what I really need to know about how to live, and what to do, and how to be, I learned in kindergarten." He went on to list simple yet profound lessons: share everything, play fair, say you’re sorry, and stick together. These lessons illustrate an important truth: wisdom isn’t about having vast knowledge or advanced degrees. Wisdom is about how we live, how we treat others, and how we respond to life. Even young children can display wisdom in their actions.

God desires that His people live with wisdom. Wisdom is more than a collection of rules; it’s godly knowledge applied to living well in God’s world. The Old Testament Law wasn’t merely a set of do’s and don’ts—it was a source of wisdom meant to guide Israel in representing God well. Similarly, the book of Proverbs offers timeless wisdom through short, memorable sayings. These proverbs were given to help God’s people navigate life in a way that glorifies Him and blesses others. They remain relevant to us today because living with wisdom transforms not only our lives but also the lives of those around us.

Proverbs 4:5-9 highlights three essential attitudes for living with wisdom: desiring wisdom, prioritizing wisdom, and valuing wisdom.

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I. Desire Wisdom (Proverbs 4:5-6)

The first step toward living wisely is to desire wisdom. To desire wisdom is to recognize its benefits and long for the blessings it brings to life. We often fail to desire wisdom because we mistakenly believe it’s too hard to obtain—that it’s reserved for intellectuals or scholars. However, God offers wisdom freely through His Word, His people, and prayer.

The father in Proverbs encourages his son to pursue wisdom persistently, reminding us that this is a lifelong process. Wisdom is not something we stumble upon accidentally; it requires intentional effort and discipline. Proverbs 4:5 commands us to “get wisdom” and “get understanding,” emphasizing the need for deliberate action. This pursuit often involves spiritual disciplines such as studying the Bible, meditating on God’s truth, and seeking counsel from wise believers.

In verse 6, wisdom is personified as something to cherish and guard, like a close friend. When we value wisdom in this way, we experience its blessings and protection. The journey to wisdom begins with a heartfelt desire to receive it.

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II. Prioritize Wisdom (Proverbs 4:7)

The second attitude we must cultivate is prioritizing wisdom. Desiring wisdom is not enough if we don’t make it a priority in our lives. To prioritize wisdom means to declare it as valuable and worth pursuing above all else.

Proverbs 4:7 tells us, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” This underscores the absolute necessity of wisdom in our lives. When we prioritize wisdom, we position ourselves to live the life God created us to live. This doesn’t guarantee a life free of challenges, but it ensures that we can faithfully represent God in all we say and do, trusting Him to provide for our needs.

Unfortunately, we often devalue wisdom, treating it as an afterthought. We settle for salvation and then muddle through life without asking God for the wisdom He has for us. Yet, God’s wisdom empowers us to bear His image more fully and live as His representatives in this world.

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III. Value Wisdom (Proverbs 4:8-9)

The final attitude we need is to value wisdom. To value wisdom is to recognize its worth and understand that it’s worth sacrificing for. Olympic athletes train for years to compete for a medal—we should have a similar dedication when it comes to pursuing wisdom.

In Proverbs 4:8-9, the father tells his son that wisdom will exalt and honor those who embrace it. When we live with wisdom, we become a blessing to others—not just through our words but through our actions and how we treat people. This kind of life brings recognition and honor, not in a prideful sense but as a testimony to the transformative power of wisdom. The benefits of living with wisdom extend from this life into eternity.

Today, we live in an age where information is readily available. A quick Google search or YouTube video can answer almost any question. But true wisdom doesn’t come from the internet—it comes from God, the one who created us and knows how life is meant to be lived.

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Conclusion

God calls His people to live with wisdom. This wisdom is seen in how we treat others and respond to life’s challenges. It is godly knowledge applied to living well in God’s world. To live with wisdom, we must desire it, prioritize it, and value it.

Living with wisdom glorifies God and blesses others. It helps us navigate life with understanding and grace, often making our lives easier and more fulfilling. More importantly, it allows us to be a blessing to our friends and family by treating them well and sharing truth with them. In doing so, we reflect God’s glory in our words and actions.

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Challenge

1. Read through the book of Proverbs, taking time to memorize a few key verses.

2. Reevaluate your priorities to ensure wisdom takes first place in your life.

3. Reflect on the benefits of wisdom and commit to living in a way that allows others to see its fruit in your life.

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Final Thought

Wisdom is not just about knowledge—it’s about living well in God’s world. Make the choice to BE WISE today.

Grow in Wisdom

 Life has a funny way of showing us how little control we actually have. Even the best-laid plans are no match for life’s unpredictability. Mark Batterson captures this truth perfectly in his book In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day with the story of a malfunctioning car horn.

One morning, while stopped at a red light, Batterson tapped his horn to signal the car ahead. But what began as a polite gesture quickly turned into chaos when the horn jammed and wouldn’t stop honking. After pulling into a gas station, mortified but relieved, the family thought the problem was solved—only for the horn to start blaring again on the highway at 70 mph.

Batterson describes the confusion of other drivers and the sheer panic in the car as he pounded on the horn to silence it. What should have been a simple, peaceful drive turned into 15 minutes of chaos, frustration, and embarrassment. Yet, looking back, it became the highlight of their trip—unplanned, unforgettable, and filled with unexpected joy.

This story reminds us that life often doesn’t go according to plan. Despite our best efforts to create order and control, the unpredictable always finds a way to surprise us. In those moments, we’re forced to ask: How do I respond when life doesn’t go as expected?

The answer lies in wisdom. Wisdom helps us navigate life’s uncertainties skillfully and faithfully, relying on God rather than ourselves. But what is wisdom? And how do we grow in it?

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Defining Wisdom and Proverbs

Wisdom is more than knowledge; it is godly insight that enables us to live well in God’s world. It involves applying truth to life in a way that honors God and benefits others. Wisdom recognizes the limitations of our understanding and trusts God’s infinite perspective instead.

The book of Proverbs serves as a guide to gaining wisdom. But what is a proverb? A proverb is a short, memorable saying that conveys general truth, practical advice, or a moral lesson. Proverbs distill life’s complexities into nuggets of truth, making them easy to remember and apply.

For example:

• “Actions speak louder than words” reminds us that deeds carry more weight than promises.
• “A stitch in time saves nine” encourages addressing problems early to avoid bigger issues later.

The proverbs in Scripture are unique because they are inspired by God and rooted in His character. They provide wisdom for living in a way that aligns with His will and brings glory to His name.

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Wisdom: God’s Design for Living

God desires that His people live with wisdom. From the beginning, God’s law and His Word were designed to guide His people—not merely as rules to follow but as wisdom to meditate on. The book of Proverbs encapsulates this divine guidance, offering timeless truths for every season of life.

Proverbs 9:11-12 highlights the benefits of wisdom: a longer, fuller life marked by healthier relationships and sound decisions. Wisdom protects us from unnecessary risks and destructive choices, enriching our lives in ways we can’t always measure.

If wisdom is so valuable, how do we grow in it? Proverbs 3:5-7 gives us three steps: lean on God, learn His will, and leave sin behind.

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Step 1: Lean on God (Proverbs 3:5)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding.”

Trusting God begins with humility—acknowledging that our perspective is limited while God’s is infinite. Just as we wouldn’t lean on a weak crutch, we must not rely on our flawed understanding. Instead, we lean on God, trusting Him for wisdom, truth, and guidance.

Peter reinforces this in 1 Peter 5:6-7: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God...casting all your cares on Him, because He cares for you.” Trust requires surrender, believing that God cares for us and will provide what we need.

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Step 2: Learn God’s Will (Proverbs 3:6)

“In all your ways know Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

Part of humility is realizing that our way is not always the best way. Paul emphasizes this in Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”

Renewing our minds means seeing the world from God’s perspective—understanding His definition of good and evil and committing to live accordingly. This requires immersing ourselves in Scripture and allowing God’s truth to shape our thoughts, decisions, and actions.

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Step 3: Leave Sin Behind (Proverbs 3:7)

“Don’t be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.”

Wisdom demands that we leave sin behind. Sin blinds us to God’s will and damages our relationship with Him. Paul’s words in Colossians 3:5 are clear: “Put to death what belongs to your earthly nature.”

Sin often stems from pride—trusting our wisdom instead of God’s. But to live wisely, we must fear the Lord, submit to His authority, and reject what He calls evil. This requires a daily commitment to pursue holiness and align our lives with His will.

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The Call to Trust God

To live with wisdom, we must trust God more than ourselves. This means leaning on Him, learning His will, and leaving sin behind. Wisdom doesn’t come by accident; it requires intentionality and effort.

Thankfully, God promises to provide wisdom to those who seek it. James 1:5 encourages us: “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.”

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Final Thought

The very first sin in the Garden of Eden was humanity’s choice to rely on their own wisdom instead of trusting God. That choice led to brokenness. Yet through Christ, we are invited to return to God’s wisdom, trusting Him fully and following His ways.

Let’s commit to cultivating hearts ready to grow in wisdom. Together, we can embrace the life God intended—leaning on Him, learning His will, and leaving sin behind.

Living a Quiet Life

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NLT)

Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.

Sometimes, even as Christians, we wonder what practical wisdom the Bible has for our daily lives. Too often we don’t value the Bible enough because it seems outdated in our technologically driven world.

I believe the Bible has much wisdom to offer us in our hectic and busy lives. One example of this is found in an often neglected book, 1 Thessalonians.  The teaching the Apostle Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, encouraged believers to live a quiet life, mind their own business, and work with their hands. This type of life, according to Paul,  will earn the respect of those who do not share their faith, and they will not have to depend on others.

How does this teaching apply to our lives?

Living a quiet life is not about being silent or isolated from other people. Rather, it is about living in a way that is not characterized by loud and boisterous, drama-causing, or attention-seeking behavior. A quiet life is about being content with what you have rather than constantly scheming to get more. This doesn’t mean that you should not have goals or aspirations, but it does mean that you should pursue them in a way that honors Jesus.

Minding your own business means you don’t stick your nose in other people’s affairs unnecessarily. This doesn’t mean that you should not care about others or help them when they need it. Rather, it means we are not going out of our way to tell people what to do or to judge them harshly for not living up to our standard. Remember, Jesus taught that you need to deal with the log in your eye before helping your neighbor with the speak in their eye. Instead, you should concentrate on becoming the person God created you to be.

Working with your hands is about being productive and contributing to society. It is about using your skills and talents to create something of value, whether it is a product, a service, or a piece of art. By working with your hands, you can take pride in what you do and provide for yourself and your family. The other benefit of being productive is that it allows you to be generous. The number one way you can join in the God is doing is through your giving.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 also emphasizes the importance of earning the respect of those who are not believers. As Christians, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ, and our actions and attitudes should demonstrate his character of love, grace, and truth. By living a quiet life, minding our own business, and working with our hands, we are able to demonstrate the qualities of diligence, honesty, and integrity that are valued by people of all faiths and backgrounds. We can also show them, that in spite of our differences, God still loves them.

When we earn the respect of non-believers, we are able to create opportunities to share the gospel with them. When people see that our faith is not just a set of beliefs, but a way of life that makes life better, they may be more open to hearing about our relationship with Jesus. As the Apostle Peter wrote in 1 Peter 3:15, "Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it." (NLT)

Finally, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 emphasizes the importance of self-sufficiency. By living a quiet life, minding our own business, and working with our hands, we can avoid becoming dependent on others for our basic needs. This does not mean that we should never ask for help or accept assistance when it is offered. What it does mean is that we want to be generous and compassionate to others rathe than being a burden others unnecessarily.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 offers valuable wisdom for life in an hectic and busy world. This wisdom will help us live a life that is pleasing to God and beneficial to others. By living a quiet life, minding our own business, and working with our hands, we can live a life that is respected by all people, regardless of their faith background. We can also earn the respect of those who do not share our faith, and create opportunities to share the gospel with them. Finally, we can avoid becoming dependent on others for our basic needs, and strive to be people are generous and compassionate with the blessings God has given to us.

Live As One Who Is Wise

 

One characteristic that sets successful people apart from those who have limited success is how they use time. 

Successful people have the ability to make the most of the time they have been given, viewing it as a valuable resource that needs to be used wisely. 

On the other hand, people who have limited success tend to see time as a limitless resource and, therefore, undervalue it. Their mantra is often, "There is always tomorrow."

I have come to the conviction that many of us need to change the way we view time. Time is a valuable resource that God has given us, and just as we are called to be good stewards of our money, we need to be good stewards of our time.

The apostle Paul addressed the issue of time in Ephesians 5:

"Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk — not as unwise people but as wise — making the most of the time, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16; CSB)

We are called to be wise in our use of time.

But what does it mean to be wise in our use of time? 

To be wise in our use of time we need to be INTENTIONAL. This requires us to be deliberate about the activities we choose to do, ensuring that we use the time given to us in a way that honors God and allows us to make the most of our lives. We can't afford to let time slip away without purpose or direction.

To be wise in our use of time we need to be PRODUCTIVE. This requires us to use our time in a way that is constructive and beneficial. This does not mean that we need to be working all the time. Rest and relaxation are crucial elements of being wise with our time, that is one of the reasons God gave His people the Sabbath. Even during our downtime, we can use our time in a way that is productive, such as spending time with loved ones, pursuing a hobby that brings us joy, or worshipping God.

To be wise in our use of time we need to be MINDFUL. This requires that we are aware of how we are spending our time and making sure that it aligns with our values and goals. It is easy to get caught up in distractions and time-wasters, but we need to stay focused on what is important and use our time in a way that reflects our priorities.

Time is a valuable resource that God has given us, and we need to use it wisely. 

As God’s people, let us strive to be good stewards of the time we have been given by being intentional, productive, and mindful. When we live our lives in this way we honor God by making the most of every moment He has given to us.

Finding Freedom Through Virtue

 Followers of Jesus are to live with virtue. To live with virtue is to be a person of character that is defined by the high moral qualities of love, honesty, compassion, mercy, and faith. These are the qualities that empower us to demonstrate God’s character in the world.

The Bible, through the teaching of the Holy Spirit, provides us with the wisdom we need to be people of Christian virtue. One of the ways the Bible provides us with wisdom is through examples. These examples are not always good examples, but God intends for them challenge us in how we live. The are to get us to think about how we can live faithful lives in our situations.

One such example can be found in the book of Exodus.

Exodus is the story of the Israelites, who experienced a life of slavery for over 400 years. Their existence was marked by suffering, oppression, and forced labor. Yet, it is in this painful reality that God grew the clan of Jacob into a nation.

When the time was right, God had a plan to set them free. This plan was built around a man named Moses. He was born to Hebrew parents and raised in by Pharaoh’s daughter. This gave Moses a unique perspective on the situation, but before Moses was fully prepared to lead Israel, he spent 40 years in the wilderness herding sheep. All these experiences molded Moses into the leader God would use to lead Israel out of a life of slavery and into a life of freedom.

Not only did the Israelites need to be freed from their physical enslavement, they also needed to be freed from their spiritual enslavement. They had been living in a pagan culture that worshiped false gods, and as a result, they had become enslaved to the sinful practices and values of that culture.

God knew that in order to truly be free, the Israelites needed to be transformed from the inside out. They needed to turn away from their sinful ways and embrace a life of virtue. God’s desire was for Israel to be a light to the nations by demonstrating His character.

Through Moses, God created a covenant with Israel. The moral foundation of this covenant is summed up in what we call the Ten Commandments. This covenant would serve as a guide for living a virtuous life. These terms of the covenant were not given to enslave the Israelites, but rather to guide them away from the terrible cultural practices that enslaved their neighbors and kept them living in darkness.

In Deuteronomy 30:19-20, Moses told the Israelites:

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, love the LORD your God, obey him, and remain faithful to him. For he is your life, and he will prolong your days as you live in the land the LORD swore to give to your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” (CSB)

The virtuous life requires making a choice: following God’s will or doing what seems best to us. This is the choice that set before all of us, and it is crucial that we make the right choice.

To live with virtue means choosing the way of God even when it is difficult and we don’t have all the answers. It means choosing to love God and to love our neighbors, even when it requires sacrifice. And it means putting aside our own selfish desires and ambitions, in order to serve those around us.

When we live with virtue, we find freedom from the consequences of bad choices that would otherwise lead us into slavery. We become free to serve others, just as Jesus came to serve us.

In John 13:14-15, Jesus told his disciples,

“So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you.” (CSB)

Jesus, who is the perfect image of God, lived a loving and humble life which empowered him to serve people. If we are going to demonstrate God’s character in this world then we need to follow the example of Jesus.

This is why virtue is crucial for Christians.

Living a life of virtue requires humility, selflessness, and treating others the way we want to be treated. When we live like this, we find the freedom God has promised to His people. We are free to love, free to serve, and free to make a difference in the world around us.

Living with virtue is not about being perfect or never making mistakes. It's about making choices that align with God's will, and seeking to live a life that reflects his love and grace.

When we do this, we find freedom from the consequences of bad choices that would otherwise lead us into the slavery of sin. And in that freedom, we are free to help and serve those around us, just as King Jesus did for us.