THE WAYS OF MAN AND GOD

Choosing Between The Ways Of Man Or The Ways Of God

 

And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? If the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.  1 Kings 18:21

When we begin to tolerate in ourselves the world’s godless values based as they are on lust for things and pride, we inevitably begin sliding toward:

A chronically restless desire for more of whatever we think will bring satisfaction to our unsettled and nervous lives.

An insistence on moral autonomy (self governed, self directing freedom) that resists any pressure toward restraint or accountability.

An appetite for power and recognition that seeks to control or manipulate others.

Christ, however, calls us to a radically changed set of values.

Such as:

* Contentment, which is giving our work our best effort and then resting the results in God’s sovereign hands. The alternative to that is a nervous, complaining spirit, which is displeasing to Him.

Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.  1 Cor 10:10

But godliness with contentment is great gain.  1 Tim 6:6

* Purity, which is choosing to live a life unsullied by the world and its corruption. Paul instructed young Timothy:

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.  1 Tim 5:22

* Simplicity, which is “ freedom,… bringing joy and balance. But because many lack a divine Center, their need for security has led them into an insane attachment to things… ”

* Frugality, which is the product of a disciplined mind and inner self-control. By practicing thrift, we prudently choose to put boundaries on our appetites and inclination toward self-indulgence. Character is being forged. “Use it up. Wear it out. Make it do. Do without.”

* Modesty, which is demonstrated in the fact that the incarnate God chose to be born in a cattle shed, and grow into manhood in the out-of-the-way village of Nazareth. No evidence here of ostentatious abuse of power or position. Rather, moderation and humility.