“Every good and perfect gift comes from Above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). This verse reminds us that EVERY good thing we have - our health, our family and friends, a bed to sleep in, food to eat, and fellowship with like minded Believers… these are ALL gifts from Him.
But there are some things that He makes clear, are NOT from Him. “God has NOT given us the spirit of fear, but of POWER and of LOVE and a SOUND MIND” (2 Timothy 1:7). If we let fear take root, knowing it’s not from God, but from the evil one, we lose (or give up) our power to overcome. Our God-given power has been hijacked and replaced. We must never let this happen.
Embracing fear causes us to lose our power to love like Christ. This is a love that sees past another’s sin to their heart. Fear tells us it’s too risky… you’ll be used, manipulated, or hurt, and to stay away! This is not from God. God calls us to engage and to love like He loves. That means, we see each other as eternal beings in need of the love of God and His message of eternal life. We must encourage each other, expecting nothing in return.
The spirit of fear is one of Satan’s best tactics because it destroys the “sound mind” given to us by God. A sound mind is one of discernment. It can distinguish what is from God and what is against God, what is right, versus almost right. It is like a compass, continually pointing us heavenward. To embrace fear is to allow our sound minds to be given over to destructive thought patterns. Destructive thoughts quickly give way to destructive actions. This spirit of fear must be recognized promptly and corrected before damage is done.
Friends, we all need this verse memorized, and written on a note card and kept in daily view. God has given us GREAT things, and in a world of chaos, we have power, love, and a sound mind! Thank you, Lord!
Comentários