There are days when I
feel the country is spinning out of control with all the crazy accusations of
corruption and abuse oozing from every facet of society. Without getting too
upset over it I have, in my uneducated naivety, come to the conclusion that people
are actually, or so it appears, attempting to inaugurate some righteous living
as a way to improve life. Could it be that prayer is actually being answered?
Could it be that God is truly alive and active in the lives of those who
believe in His sovereign power to rule over this country? Yes, this country can
be great again if only we will allow God to rule over our hearts and minds. The
promise of God is – He’ll handle the rest, because I can’t.
Often the Christian
may be accused of being narrow-minded because he insists that we must
completely obey Christ. Yet, all of life is narrow. There is no room for
broad-mindedness in the chemical laboratory. Water is composed of two parts
hydrogen and one part oxygen. Deviation is forbidden! There is no room for
broad-mindedness in music. There are only eight notes in an octave. In the
mathematics classroom things are narrow. Geometry, calculus, nor trigonometry
allows for zero variation for accuracy. The solution to any problem is either
right or it is wrong. On the athletic field the game must be played by the
rules otherwise chaos erupts. How then shall we expect that broad-mindedness
shall rule in the realm of Christianity and morals? (Paul Sain)
[Psalm 16:8] “I have
set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be
shaken.” A powerful lesson we learn from this text is, if we put God before us
we will not be moved or shaken. If God is first in our decisions, thoughts and
actions then our way will be secure. Notice how this is such a practical
lesson. If God comes first in my decisions, then I will want to seek His will.
I ask, “What does God say about this matter?” I must strive to only do what God
tells me (Luke 6:46; Matthew 7:21). To put God first in my decisions I must
know His Word. Jesus said the truth would make us free (John 8:31-32). Paul
encourages us to study God’s word to be approved by him (2 Timothy 2:15). How
does someone put God before himself in everyday decisions if he does not know
God’s will? He cannot. Therefore, it is imperative for me to study God’s Word
so that I can make godly decisions. If I am going to put God before me, I must
put His will into my thoughts. Paul taught us to bring every thought into
captivity to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). Christians must
think on godly and upright things (Philippians 4:6-8).The only way we can put
God into our thoughts is to put His righteousness into our minds. The Psalmist
said, “I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I
have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be
to you, O Lord; teach me your decrees” (Psalm 119:10-12). In every situation we
should ask, “How would the Lord want me to think?” When we truly put God into
our decisions and thoughts we can have safety (Psalm 16:8). The only way we can
proclaim the same today is if God is at our right hand in everything we do.
Have you put God before you? If you are not a Christian, I encourage you to
obey the gospel. To become a Christian you must, Hear God’s Word (Romans
10:17); Believe the Gospel (Hebrews 11:6); Repent (Acts 17:30-31); Confess
Christ (Romans 10:9-10); Be Baptized (Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:26-27); Continue
in the faith until death (Colossians 1:23; 2 Peter 1:3-11; Revelation 2:10). Life
is getting better because we are becoming more obedient.