Refusing To Think

Refusing To Think

“For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7 It occurs to me that people who live iniquitous lives tend not to spend much time thinking; the experience is too painful.  Most of us cannot think on the past without regret, and the more acute the regret the greater the temptation to fill one’s life with distractions so as not to have to think. So too, most arguments in the body of Christ flow from disagreements regarding doctrine rather than moral issues.  Because biblical commands are unambiguous, and because conscience affirms most moral absolutes, the reprobate may plead for tolerance, but rarely does he seek to defend that which his conscience condemns. Professing Christians who live (or have lived) immoral lives, therefore, tend to embrace those practices derived from tradition rather than serious reflection on Scripture, such as praying to icons and insisting on experience-centered worship.  The deeper a man thinks on biblical truth, the more aware he becomes of his depravity, and if his sins prove too painful to contemplate, he ceases thinking, fills his life with activity. Paul offers the antidote to this happening: “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.”  Philippians 4:8 The “things” referred to by Paul are found in Scripture.  To the degree that you mediate on the Word of God, He will deliver you from a vacuous, sinful life. For more articles by Walt...
Five Crowns for Believers

Five Crowns for Believers

  1. CROWN Of Righteousness:  2 Timothy 4:8 Given to all those who eagerly looked forward to and loved His appearing. When I was a young man working for IBM, we use to have a label for people who were leaving the business. They were called “short timers”.  All their focus was how they could position themselves to leave in good shape, take all they could get and land in a prosperous way. They were motivated by their best interest and their future. God is offering us a better deal in Heaven.  Let us face it, we are short timers on earth. I find few people in the Christian walk focused on Jesus coming back or the fact we are going to Jesus. Most Christians are focused on improving their temporal circumstances or creating a theocratic society. The attitude today is because Jesus loves me, there will be no judgment or accountability in Heaven. So don’t worry about being accountable. That thinking is unbiblical. He loves me and will discipline me. I am accountable. Be motivated and live life with a short timer’s attitude and be assured, you will see Jesus soon. This thinking is in your best interest. Application: Do I think about Jesus return daily? Do I pray and do I desire that He come back today? How would Jesus grade me on this mindset? What do I need to do to get myself better focused on this mindset? Would you be eligible for this CROWN? 2. INCORRUPTIBLE CROWN   1 Corinthians 9:25-27 Given to those who disciplined their bodies and exercised self-control. 1 Co 9:25 And everyone who...