1Jo 2:16 For all that [is] in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
I believe that within these three categories can be found any problem.
Perhaps we might think as long as we look like what is expected of us
as apostolics, (and that is important), that all is well. We can "look" the part
on the outside, (Jesus spoke about the cup, clean on the outside, but dirty
within), but these three things, the lust of the flesh, lust of the eye and the
pride of life, come from the heart, but will be reflected on the outside also.
To find out what in inside a heart. just listen to the words coming from
the mouth. It will tell you, for from the abundance (what all is in the heart)
of the heart, the mouth speaketh. What is inside will flow out, through our
mouth and in actions.
We used to sing a chorus:
Jesus on the inside, working on the outside;
Oh what a change in my life.
IF we truly have Jesus (our Standard), living inside, what comes
out our hearts and mouths WILL reflect Him. Inside and outside!
If we have matured and grown as we should, over the years, we should be
bearing some fruit of the Spirit. They are identified in Gal.5:22-23.
If we are yielding "works of the flesh" they will be manifested! They are
also identified in Gal.5:19-21.
Is the tree (life) we represent, yielding good fruit. Will the seed we are
sowing today yield more fruit and fruit TREES (lives) after we are gone!
What we are sowing to, today will become the harvest of tomorrow. What
we are sowing into our children and grandchildren will yield a crop, a good
crop or a crop good for nothing of real value. If it's not fit for the Master's
use, forget it! Only those things that are of eternal value will last!
Bradford pear trees are beautiful to look at briefly when flowering and make
for nice landscaping, but if you are looking for good fruit, forget it! You might
want to look at the Bartlett pear tree! I would rather yield something that
would keep on giving and giving than to just be something to look pretty for
a brief season and eventually perish!
The Seed (Christ Jesus) was sown into the ground and burst forth in
His season and has been giving every since.. O taste and see, that the
Lord is good! That Tree (Jesus Christ) is LIFE!! First Adam (flesh), second
Adam (quickening Spirit). Almost fifty years ago I was introduced to THAT TREE!!!
My parents and grandmother led me there. They have joined that cloud of
witnesses. My journey isn't completed but there's quite a little crowd back
there following us. May all who come behind us find us faithful!!
Blessings,
Falla39
Linear Mode
