Morning Y'all! I pray this post encourages you and gives God glory! Got suggested topics you want me to write about? Please comment below or email me at info@mocatoday.com.
As I feel led, I post scriptures on my personal social media that includes a little expansion on the scripture meaning along with how it can be practically applied in our daily lives.
Yesterday, I posted Romans 5:3-4 from the New King James Version where Apostle Paul says,
"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
Then I provided this practical explanation,
"Our situations (current circumstances) are temporary, have end dates, even if it doesn’t seem like it sometimes. Character lasts forever, is eternal. Character development, or lack thereof, has eternal consequences. That’s why God puts so much emphasis on godly character development through tests and tribulations during our short stint on earth. Godly character development matters."
To expand further, the purpose of life on this side of heaven for Believers in Jesus Christ IS NOT about:
having the picture perfect spouse, family and friends
being rich and famous
having impressive professional careers or successful entrepreneurial endeavors
collecting numerous degrees, certifications and accolades
having tons of money in the bank
acquiring millions of social media followers
and the list goes on
Please don't get it twisted! I'm not saying the above bullets are specifically bad things.
In fact, it's quite the opposite because they can be good, great things when used or achieved to glorify God, point folks back to Jesus and expand His kingdom!
They become bad things when they cause us to choose a life of walking in our flesh (Galatians 5:16-17), ultimately reject God and the things of God. This often happens when we allow the above to become idols in our lives and commit other sin. (Exodus 20, Colossians 3:5)
In all, there's technically nothing wrong with being successful by the above world's standards.
But as Believers, we just can't forget where our favor and blessings come from and that they actually have God-centered versus self-centered purposes. Nor can we forget that in EVERYTHING, big and small, we are called to do it as if it's for God (Colossians 3:23, 1 Corinthians 10:31) and point back to Jesus. We accomplish this not from just quoting scriptures every chance we get, but from a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and actually living public and private lives that are pleasing to God. (Acts 5:29, Colossians 1:10)
So if the above bullets aren't what life's about according to God, what is?
Well I'm glad you asked!
It seems the more and more I study the Word of God and grow my relationship with Jesus Christ, the more I've come to learn that one of the biggest purposes of our lives, besides accepting Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, IS about:
Character development (Romans 5:3-4)
Did you know our character, good or bad, lasts forever and determines the choices we make? And that all of our choices have eternal consequences?
This is why God is so patient with us and gives us endless chances! He desires that we learn how to make good choices here so we get to spend eternity with Him- where our good character is further used to do His will in heaven. The book of John speaks more on this.
BUT, God also knows our natural nature apart from Him is sinful. (Romans 7:18-25) That's why He tells us to stay close to Him, let Him develop good character, teach and mature us OVER TIME by way of allowing or causing tests, temptations, persecution and tribulations to enter our lives. (James 1:2-4) Jesus himself and the Apostles alike speak of this all throughout the Bible.
As a result, good character is returned and then we enjoy a lifestyle of making Christ-pleasing, God-centered choices for our lives.
Good choices on earth lead to salvation, eternity spent in heaven.
Bad choices on earth lead to perishing, eternity spent in hell.
Will we always get it right? Absolutely not! We're still imperfect human beings. When we get it wrong sometimes, and we will, we sincerely repent, seek forgiveness, turn back to God and then move forward.
Remember, it's all about progression, not perfection here!
What areas of your character do you feel God is developing now? Can you recall a recent test or temptation that while in it seemed horrible, but now looking back, you see how God was using it to develop good character and strengthen your faith?
Please share in the comments section below.
Just a few reminders:
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God loves you! With Him, you got this!
Until next post, may God give you His peace and blessings!
-Natasha
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