To advance the Lord’s work in the new year, we must be found “pressing on.” Pressing on requires actions of the mind: (1) “forgetting those things which are behind” and (2) “reaching forth unto those things which are before.” (Philippians 3:13)
One’s own state of mind dictates. If a person is for something in their mind, they will be for it in their efforts. If down on something, even the good that is done will be under discredit.
Such was the declaration of our Lord in Matthew 12:30: “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” According to Christ’s wisdom, until one is positive minded about their church, they will not promote it, but rather drag it down.
Being positive minded towards the church must prevail throughout the entire church to comply with the Divine requirements, “that there be no schisms in the body” (1 Corinthians 12:25) and “that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10)
One’s state of mind is the product of what is in the thinking of that mind. So to begin with, one must necessarily identify what the issues are that are responsible for that state of mind. It would be helpful to make a list, so as to be able to resolve the issues, one by one.
Should a person be upset with their church’s teachings, it would be good to identify which position, the church’s or the individual’s, is the closest to the Bible standard of “all scripture being the basis for doctrine, for reproof, for correction” (2 Timothy 3:16)
Should a person be offended at what someone has done, have you done what the Lord told you to do – go to them, in order to gain thy brother? (Matthew 18:15)
If you hold ill will in your heart towards others, have you obeyed God’s Word in doing good towards them, so as to “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good”? (Romans 12:20)
If you hold a “fault” against someone, have you gone the course of forgiving your brother their trespasses so your heavenly Father can forgive you and make you whole of your own shortcomings? (Matthew 18:35)
If it is just the “whole ball of wax” that you are dissatisfied with, have you tried the “Lord’s ball of wax?” – “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)
SHARING
