God’s main concern for the Christian in this world is character development, spiritual maturity and fruit bearing. A lifestyle that plants seeds, wins souls and disciples others is likely to flow.
Jesus was considered a suffering servant. His main concern was pleasing His Father in obedience and righteousness. This meant many trials because to live righteously is to offend people, and to offend people means persecution.
Jesus himself said "The world will hate you because of me". We are finding this to be true as the culture drifts further from the truth. The truth becomes like a salt stinging on a wound, like UV rays disinfecting polluted water. It doesn't invoke the most pleasant reaction when you cast the light of truth on certain lifestyles and behaviors, those who prefer to live in the filth aggressively resist.
The negativity we receive for staying true to our convictions in the face of opposition requires the strength of character God seeks to build in us.
Those most concerned with living an easy life without conflict and opposition will never stand up for the truth. Nor will they be the kind of powerful person God wants to grow us into, like strong cedars. Hence God is not primarily concerned with our happiness at all times. War isn't fun.
We know this is a spiritual battle against spiritual powers of darkness, principalities and governments of demons operating behind worldly affairs..
If we want to conduct ourselves right, to form good habits, which intern generate good character and spiritual maturity we need to make the right decisions every day.
Structure your life on the realisation that you will meet your maker and give an account - every decision I make, and every interaction I have, how I conduct myself, my attitude, should be structured with this truth in mind.
Balance
This doesn't need to be stressful, but we should be aware of this fact when we talk to our spouse, family members, bosses etc. Am I exhibiting the fruit of the spirit? Am I being kind to my mother or colleague or subordinates? Am I being patient? Or am I being short tempered and impatient? Who can you treat better? And what areas do you need more self control in?
Take a day at a time and remember you can start over again tomorrow if you do badly. God is gracious and forgiving. True success as a child of God isn't being the big shot Christian evangelist. Just be a normal person who treats their parents with kindness, patience and respect.
Someone who is a faithful husband or wife, is patient, kind. And someone who lives to please and serve God. That person who lives a quiet life of integrity, hard work and good character.
Amos is an evangelical conservative, seeking to understand the world from the perspective of the Christian worldview, watching to ascertain the times and season; desiring to speak the truth to a lost generation.
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