© 16 Colin Melbourne
God’s perspective on life as a Christian on Earth
I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
That’s God’s perspective on our sufferings, Rom. 8:18 KJV. Emphasised here in 2 Co. 4:17-18 KJV;
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
To become well balanced Christians; honouring Christ as He deserves, and following Him in faithful expectation of heavenly glory, we need to maintain God’s perspective of our lives, regardless of suffering and personal hardship in this realm.
Our life priority is determined by;
- Why we are here
- What we are doing
- Where we are going
Why We Are Here
It’s a Gospel basic; Christians are chosen, called, and commanded, to get the Gospel to the ends of the Earth, and in doing so to; deny themselves, suffer, and endure troubles for the eternal glory of Almighty God.
We were dead in sin, lost with the world, until His life came in, His Spirit filled us, and imparted delight to do His bidding.
The instant we are saved, God’s Fire lights our heart, and when we become filled with the Holy Ghost, those smouldering embers burst into flame, ignited by the breath of the Holy Spirit.
Father quickens, we obey, speak, and the light of Christ beams through us, illuminating this dark world.
The Lord works, confirming His word with signs, wonders, and conviction of sin: Sinners notice, and either rebel, or receive Christ, and our LORD and King is glorified in us.
The primary reason God leaves us in this condemned world is to shine for Him.
He could take us all home today, but He hasn’t, because He wants us down here reflecting His nature, proclaiming His message of redemption, and pointing the lost to the only Saviour.
That is why you are here.
Everything else is peripheral and transient: Our focus and purpose is eternal: Halleluia!
What We Are Doing
Your ministry on Earth depends on your faith in God’s word being manifested.
Your faith is expressed in your words and actions, perfected by divine love.
If the Apostles had not acted their faith, there would be no “Acts of the Apostles” in the Holy Bible, the Gospel would have fizzled out in first century Judaea, and we would all still be Hell-bound sinners.
If the hundred and twenty in the upper room, had not obeyed Christ, and received the Power Baptism, they would have remained timid and ineffective in their faith. Just like Christians in the denominations who reject the Promise of the Spirit.
If those first Spirit-filled believers had not ventured in faith to tell the world the Good News, they would have withered on the vine: Shrivelled, tasteless figs, fallen to the ground, trampled underfoot.
But, praise God, they acted on what God says.
People could see they believed by what they said, and by what they did.
They delighted Father, and He worked with them confirming His word with accompanying signs, miracles, and wonders.
This is still the way God works.
Without God confirming our message as in Bible days, we have nothing but religion.
Father longs to confirm His word through you: Fulfil your part, do His word, and He will endorse you without fail.
If there are no miracles in your life and church, find a fellowship where the full Gospel is proclaimed in power, where the Holy Spirit has liberty to work, where there’s Holy Fire, and Christ is glorified.
If there isn’t one where you live: Start one!
Check that what you are doing today is God’s word and will, ensure it lines up with the Holy Bible, call on Father, to confirm His word as you obey and share it.
He will, when you are wholehearted like the believers in Bible times.
Where We Are Going
We keep our attention on the voice and word of God, with our spiritual eyes on The risen LORD Jesus Christ in Glory.
There’s no appetite for religion, or the things of the world, since we tasted the goodness of the LORD.
Our flesh is kept under the control of our spirit, by simple obedience from sincere love for God.
Yesterday is gone, today is the day of salvation, so we don’t look back, but on the Living Christ.
The LORD was unsentimental in his walk with Father, so are we.
He could have wept and moped around, grieving over Herod’s beheading of His cousin, John the Baptist.
Understandably, Jesus sought solitude, just as we would, but as soon as He saw the crowds seeking Him, He was moved by compassion, and got on with Father’s business. Mtt. 14:13-14 KJV;
When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities. And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.
His eyes were fixed on Father, fulfilling His ministry, and His destiny.
That is what we must do, or fall short of our calling.
Believers are not here on holiday, not here to fulfil our desires.
If we live to please ourselves, we fall under condemnation with hypocrites: Instead we deny ourselves, and live to please Father by following Christ, and continuing His ministry to the ends of the Earth.
Tip: It helps us to remain focussed, and balanced, with divine perspective, if we recall how important some tiny thing seemed to us when we were young and in our sins.
Now we can hardly remember what it was, yet then it dominated our thoughts!
Furthermore, cast your mind a little forward to eternity in the Glory.
There you are, just as He promised, bodily resurrected and glorified, and it is infinitely more glorious than you ever imagined.
Look! There’s Jesus, Abraham, Moses, and all the people you led to Christ, secure in Heaven for eternity, just as He promised.
Praise God, time, as we know it, doesn’t exist in the heavenly realm (Rev. Ps. 90:4, 2 Pe. 3:8), but down here on Earth we are to walk our lives counting the days, to ensure we use what brief time we have wisely. Ps. 90:12 KJV;
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
Look at your life, from the perspective of eternity in the Glory, and examine your thoughts, attitudes, motives, and what you are doing today.
From that heavenly vantage, you’ll be able to correct yourself, and concentrate on that which is of eternal value.
For example; all your present doubts, worries, and grumbling look simply pathetic and ridiculous from the Glory, don’t they?
Quit them, Jesus is LORD!
As our brother in Christ, William Tyndale, noted; when you truly believe that Christ is sovereign LORD of Heaven and Earth, you will have no complaints whatever happens to you in this life: Your Sovereign has permitted it: Glorify Him in every circumstance, whether good or evil.
He knew you before you were born, cared for you, provided for you, even whilst you were deep in sin. How much more is He able to keep you now that you long to please Him?
One of His covenant names is Jehovah-Jireh: The LORD your provider, literally, “the LORD will see to it”.
Trust Him to do that.
Your Legacy on Earth
Retain God’s perspective, your time is brief: Burn for Him, leave nothing but ashes, and God’s Glory will mark your life for eternity.
The sufferings, afflictions, and hardships Christians are called to bear for God’s Glory never include sickness, disease or infirmity of the flesh: That is why Christ bore them all for you, to set you free. Christ The Healer by FF Bosworth is the landmark classic that re-established this forgotten Gospel basic in modern times. It is pure joy to read, and be set free from all doubt concerning your perfect bodily health today. Once you understand the scriptural basis of your healing, you will believe, and then see it, every time.
© 16 Colin Melbourne
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