The world's way...

 May 4, 2011

The "world's way" is not my way of doing things.  I think differently, speak differently, perceive things differently, and choose to react and obey differently because of who I belong to.  Sometimes this is perceived to the world as honorable, or noble, annoying, offensive, exclusive, radical, unbelievable, unacceptable or incomprehensible.  But guess what? I have a different authority.  I belong to a Mighty God.  I belong to Jesus.  I am guided, directed, and rooted in Him and He has given me a new heart, new eyes, and a different perspective.  Yesterday the world celebrated as Osa*ma Bin L*den was clarified to be killed by American troops.  At first I thought wow this is great news...but as the day wore on and I talked to different friends, and read disturbing comments on Facebook, I realized that celebrating anyone's death, even if it is my enemy is not what God would call me to do.  God doesn't want us to celebrate when we see our enemies fall.  He has called us to pray for our enemies and not even wish harm on them or hate them.  Hate is even considered murder.  That is the high standard that God holds.

As I think about this man's life and how he did evil things and murdered people and how he helped to create terroristic activities, it makes me sad to know that people were happy he was dead.  It made me think about what kind of legacy I will leave behind.  Will I leave behind a legacy where people celebrate my death, or celebrate my life?  I obviously choose the latter.

We all have done things wrong in the sight of God.  God looks at our heart and our motives.  Our hearts are truly wicked.  We celebrate when our enemies fall, we cheer when they mess up and are made to be a fool, we say awful things like rot in h*ll because we feel someone's life is not worthy.  Only God has that right.  We are all God's creation.  He doesn't wish that any of us perish.  Yet there are consequences for the life we lead and the choices we make.  But let's remember grace, and mercy.  Without grace and mercy there is no gospel.  I'm thankful for God's grace and mercy on me, a sinner. 


 Excerpt from Sarah Young's, Jesus Calling...

Meet me in morning stillness, while the earth is fresh with the dew of My Presence.  Worship Me in the beauty of holiness.  Sing love songs to My holy Name.  As you give yourself to Me, My Spirit swells within you till you are flooded with divine Presence.  The world's way of pursing riches is grasping and hoarding.  You attain My riches by letting go and giving.  The more you give yourself to Me and My ways, the more I fill you with inexpressible, heavenly Joy.

Today I am reminded to ignore the world's way.  I am reminded to spend time with the One who is gracious and merciful so that I can learn of Him.  Today I am reminded to live a life that will be celebrated by my Maker.  In all my actions, words and deeds.  I realize that I fall short.  But I am excited for a new day to walk in His grace and mercy.