Tag Archives: belong

My soul

 

Casting Crowns – Oh My Soul

 

The soul is the deepest part of myself. It is the part that needs to be reached in order for wholeness to be received. I rarely have access to my soul, but occasionally when I am very quiet, my soul will show up. In my practice of Christian disciplines, I find that one of their main functions is to allow my soul to come out from its secret place, to be then recognized and ultimately restored. The restoration of the soul is fundamental to our redemption.

He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness[b]
for his name’s sake. – Psalm 23:3  ESV

The “path of righteousness” intrigues me for I think they are all here in this Psalm as a path of discipleship. First there is the green grass and quiet waters which provide refreshment. Secondly, there is the valley of the shadow of death. Thirdly, the path that leads to a table full of all sorts of good things for me even though my enemies surround me. The last destination is where discipleship always ends – the house of the Lord or for me today, being in His presence.

You see, that is where I find refreshment that matters. All power and glory in the universe belong to God. He knows everything. Rest leads to trust and trust leads to peace. Peaceful rest is the open door to hearing God and discerning His will.

 

 

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Dignity

 

I think that it is important that my dignity as a follower of Christ depends on me bearing the marks that belong to the kingdom of God. It is not just something I talk about. It is the presence of God in my actions and Him being the first step who fills my mind. Maybe Matthew 5:20 is the most important thing about the entering and living in the kingdom of God.

For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 

I think it is important to note the previous three verses to understand that the law is still important, especially to those who say we no longer have to heed to the law.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.  For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.  Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. – Matthew 5:17-19  ESV

The law is where it all starts – it has not left the table yet. It is holy. Until I repent of the evil or the breaking of the law, I cannot participate in Christ’s righteousness. Then when I receive mercy, I go into deeper self-abhorrence. If I am pretending to be a follower of Jesus and allow myself to walk in disobedience or teach others to do the same, I am not a true disciple. Let’s make sure I am getting this right. Christ’s righteousness, is given to me by faith alone, it is needed by every single person who enters the kingdom. However, the new creation of the heart of holiness, produces a thorough change in a person’s temper and conduct.

I believe Matthew is really drilling down to the characteristic of a disciple as one who is a doer of the will of God. There is an emphasis on ethics and repentance. Orthopraxy would be his prominent motif.

Just read the rest of the chapter and tell me you are or are not doing these things. I know in fact that over 60% of any church family are in violation of these and unfortunately in some, they are okay with that.  I pray that my walk would be to heed the call to walk with God in all of these matters and to eventually be willing to walk with others as they desire to do the same.

 

 

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