By: Jim Miller
Gray, Maine
Do we place more value on what others think of us over what the Lord does? Too many times I watch others seek to be accepted by their peers even adults not just kids. I admit I am as guilty of this as anyone else. When I find myself striving to be accepted by someone else I have to stop and ask why? Is it not enough that if I follow Christ and his instruction that I have all the acceptance I need?
We sometimes forget that it is more important to seek first Gods kingdom. Mat_6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Christians expect to be accepted by other Christians and this is rightly so in that we are Gods children. It is when we start to seek acceptance by the world that we start to wander away from Gods word. When we start doing things that are not acceptable to God to try and draw others to Christ we start down the road of error.
God gave us His pattern for doing things and the best gift anyone could ever receive, salvation through the Gospel. If the Gospel will no longer draw men to Christ there is nothing we can ad or take away that will. It is when we seek to be accepted of those who would pervert the word of God that we begin to slip into heresy. Paul saw this happening in his day too and here is what he said about it…..Gal_1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Gal_1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Gal_1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. Gal_1:9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. Gal_1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
Today things have been twisted around so my that confusion and error run rampant sometimes even in the Lords church which is dangerous. Many of our local churches have run headlong into apostasy seeking to be accepted rather that being the example. Some have allowed the wolves to take control with damnable doctrines that will cause many to be deceived and burn in hell because of it.
Long, long ago some very wise words were spoken and I think we need to be reminded of them especially when we seek acceptance form the world. Jos_24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.
Friend look to the word not to men. Serve the Lord daily as best you can because you very soul depends on it.
