God’s ways are not man’s ways.

Leon ♦ May 31, 2010 ♦ 2 Comments

I studied the Bible in the past and thought,  much of what I was reading could never be applied in daily life, it was not  meant to be taken literally. But I have changed my mind on this subject. As children, we take literally what our parents tell us.  As we grow older we learn to become more skeptical.  God wants us to remain as children when it comes to his word.  Jesus speaking to his disciples said,

” Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” Math. 18.4.

God wants us to enter now, into his kingdom, but first, we must  become as little children. Jesus knew that as full grown adults, much of what he was explaining to his disciples, would seem strange or down right crazy. He knew if they would stop thinking as men, and start thinking as God, they could get past their prejudices, and start living a new way. As Christians, we are not to go on living as we did, before we knew Christ.

Jesus instructed us to be generous in our giving , but not to make a show of it, let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing. But man’s way is to boast of it, the thanks they receive is the reward they have earned. God sees what we do in secret and rewards us openly. A small deed done for someone in private is worth more, in God’s sight, then millions given for a wing of a new building that display the name of the giver on the front facade.

Man’s way is to hold a grudge if someone has done us wrong. Countless movies are  based on vengeance and payback. But Jesus said,

” Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Math.5.44

It goes on to say,” God is kind to the evil and unthankful.”  Luke.6.35 . God also states, “Vengeance is mine I will repay saith the Lord.”  Rom.12.19.  , as children we are to place all our problems in God, our Fathers hands.

Another way of man is to be first. We want to finish first, be first in line, and the first one out of the gate. But Jesus teaches us,

“But many that are first shall be last, and the last shall be first.”  Math. 19.30

Trying to be first is man’s nature, but letting someone go ahead of us is God’s nature.  Let us be the first to hear and the last to speak. If we yield to others we are beginning to display the characteristics of God.  Jesus disciples argued among  themselves who was the greatest. Jesus told them,

” But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Math. 23.11

The person that is quietly serving others, is greater than the individuals we see on TV, or  in the presence of the rich and famous.  No one is running to get an autograph of someone who mowed the lawn for his elderly neighbor.

I could go on giving endless examples of ways that seem backward to man, but to God, it is man that is turned around. Finally though, I will point out that it is man’s way to pull himself up by his boot straps. To earn through the sweat of his brow every thing he has, and to point and say, look what I have done.  But the Bible says,

” Every good gift, and every perfect gift comes from above…” Jam.1.17

All we have comes from God,  most importantly our very salvation. We can never say to anyone, look what I have done to earn my way into heaven.

” For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourself: It is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Eph. 2. 8-9