Hey Gang: How many times this week have you asked
yourself the question: "Should I or should I not?". I don't know about you. but I have learned
that I can become very caustic when someone or something tampers with my
comfort zone. In nearly every case the decision shakes down to, will it feed
the white dog or the black dog - of my mind
and heart
I have learned, in my
tenure on this earth, that I cannot suddenly change from that which I am, to
that which I should be. To think that
suddenly I can do a 'U" turn and go a different direction is the
foundation of failure and discouragement.
As one old hillbilly said, "We 'er' what we 'er' and unless we work
very hard we will remain what we 'er'.”
Paul tells us: "Be not be deceived, God is not
mocked, for whatever a man sows he will also reap" (Gal. 6:7). A man walking across the prison yard passed
by an inmate who was sewing a tarp together. The man remarked to the con,
"Sewing?”. The con’s response,” No,
"reaping!". As I have gained
in maturity I have learned that, if I don't put the tools exactly where they
belong when I am finished with a project, I spend a heap of time hunting. And, I might add, frustrated with my neglect.
That too is reaping!
In my study of the
Word I have learned that Paul was a very organized man. In his writing we find he presents a
principal-and then develops the principle for our implementation. In Colossians three he gives us a formula for
change; but notice there is a trigger word that is a prerequisite to
implementing the process. The
prerequisite, “if" “if you have been raised up with Christ!" The prerequisite that triggers the principle
is, "If".
"Keep seeking the things above where Christ is seated at
the right hand of God". Again I draw your attention to the key word
in this phrase, "Keep". In the words of Pastor Wilkerson: ”We need to
recognize the "seeking things above"
is not a natural trait of the human mind.
It takes diligence and constant vigil to keep seeking things above!”
Paul gives us a
principle in Romans 12:1-2 about how to do this. He wrote, "I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God to present your
bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual
service of worship". And then
the key: "And do not be conformed
to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind".
So, be advised the
black dog will be nipping at your heels today.
He may even present you with some great opportunities - but beware Satan
gives nothing without a huge price attached.
We are advised throughout the Word to examine everything
carefully and keep the good and trash the bad.
Blessings,
Gramps
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