Life Shaping Realities

What is the purpose of warnings? Is it to discourage us? Is it to take away our joy? Is it to take the fun out of life? Is it a sign of negativity we would rather live without? Or do we consider warnings to be a blessing because our safety depends upon them. There is the reality of dangers to which our attention needs to be drawn. As we recognize this with regard to physical life, do we not also acknowledge it in association with our spiritual well-being? Still, it seems that some think life would be better if certain things are ignored rather than taught.

Recently while searching for some information online, I came across the website of a local group and read the description of their ministry. The last paragraph (containing two sentences) pointed out that this group is “loving, joyous, positive, musical, upbeat, instructive, and uplifting!” Perhaps that sounds very good. However, how far did the CONCERN for being “instructive” go? The last sentence of this paragraph pointed out that “Such concerns as hell, damnation, negativity, the devil, evil, unworthiness, and sin are not present” in their teachings.

Though these were noted as “CONCERNS” it appears they were not going to CONCERN themselves with those matters and their visitors would not have to fear hearing such topics taught. Was that a denial of the existence of those realities that the Scriptures do address? Is that what their third to the last paragraph meant that reads “Prayers, meditations, affirmations, and denials, are tools we can use to raise our consciousness and shape our lives for the better.”

Is this the “instructive” manner in which Jesus (the Master Teacher) taught? Certainly He spoke of forgiveness and love and mercy and many other uplifting subjects. However, He also instructed toward moving away from that which would bring condemnation. The woman caught in the act of adultery ( John 8) stood condemned for her sin. Though Jesus chose to forgive rather than condemn, He still called it like it was when He said, “…go, and from now on SIN NO MORE.” ( John 8:11b) Also, when Jesus connected again with the man he had earlier healed by the pool of Bethesda, he told him, “See, you are well! SIN NO MORE, THAT NOTHING WORSE MAY HAPPEN to you.” ( John 5:14b)

On an occasion when some told Jesus about some Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices we read…

“(2) And he answered them, ‘Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? (3) No, I tell you; but UNLESS YOU REPENT, YOU WILL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH. (4) Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? (5) No, I tell you; but UNLESS YOU REPENT, YOU WILL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH.’” ( Luke 13:2-5 ESV)

There is a reality with which to come to grips. Are we going to acknowledge the warning or consider it non-existent? Recognizing the need for acknowledging sin as sin and repenting of it serves to shape our actions and choices in life.

When noting the inclusion of Gentiles in the promises of God in Christ, Paul stated…

“Note then THE KINDNESS AND THE SEVERITY OF GOD: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.” ( Romans 11:22 ESV)

Whether it be God’s kindness or His severity, He is completely righteous in what He does. (i.e. Nehemiah 9:33) To CONCERN ourselves with the promises of God and ignore (or deny) His warnings will cause us to lose some of the power to urge us toward more godly living. Our lives are shaped by the realities we recognize. Acknowledging dangers of things detrimental to our physical well-being serve to determine life habits. The same is true spiritually. Denying these truths will not make us better people.

Have a great day ACCEPTING THE WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD!
Carl

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