The Owner’s Manual
Doing life Jesus’ way works. (M.H. Puccini)
Living life Jesus’ way works. After all, He’s our Creator (Colossians 1:15-17, John 1:1-3, 14). So it’s no surprise following Christ’s commands leads us to live better lives. Here’s a three truths Jesus taught. “Forgive your enemies.” “Love your neighbors.” “Resist all forms of greed.” He also modeled thankfulness when He raised Lazarus from the dead after four days (John 11:40-44).
Jesus’ way works, and here’s why.
How to Break Free of the Sin of Greed
Greed sabotages happiness. It destroys relationships. There’s no inner peace. Getting more wealth, power or fame becomes an overpowering idol. It destroys any chance of being content. Poor people can fall into this trap too. Working toward a better life is a good thing. But being willing to do anything to get more money or possessions? That’s a bad thing.
How do we break free of the sin of greed? By becoming a giver. Honor every financial pledge made and give the amount the Holy Spirit suggests. when I give, a number usually comes to mind. But on one occasion I distinctly sensed the Holy Spirit say “Double it!”
So I did. Giving my hard-earned cash to bless ministries or individuals has become easier over the years and fun too. I love meeting other people’s needs.
Later in a letter to the Ephesians, Paul gives this advice to former thieves, who’ve accepted Christ.
.28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his hands, so that he may be able to give to those in need. (Ephesians 4:28 RSV)
Jesus’ way works.
Forgiving Your Enemies
Let me be 100% clear. Jesus’ command to forgive our enemies isn’t meant to bless the people who’ve hurt us. Instead it heals us when we forgive.
Injured people who continually feed their anger end up self-destructing. Their wound never heals. Endlessly rehearsing their wrongs darkens their inner world. Anger breeds bitterness. The injury becomes set in concrete. It poisons their\ entire life.
Yet forgiving their enemies is the sour life-restoring medicine they refuse to take.
Andy Stanley makes the same point.
Here’s a question every angry man and woman needs to consider: how long are you going to allow people you don’t even like—people who are no longer in your life, maybe even people who aren’t alive anymore—to control your life? How long? (Andy Stanley)
It’s a very good question.
My Spiritual Point
Do I need to say it again? Doing life Jesus’ way works.
I downloaded these images from Pixabay.com. The lion image was ai-generated.
Resources:
Verses proclaiming Jesus our Creator are found in Colossians 1:15-17 and John 1:1-3, 14.
