First Things First
A teacher of the laws of God once asked Jesus what is the most important of all the laws. Jesus told him that the most important one was to love God with all your heat, soul, mind and strength and that the second most important law is to love your neighbor as yourself [Mark 12:29-31]. Imagine, if you will, what it would be like if just half the population of Earth followed these two laws.
To Know Him is to Love Him
The more we learn about who God is, about His son and about the Holy Spirit, the more we will love Him. The more we read God’s Word, the more we will learn about Him. It is the Christian’s responsibility to have a steady diet of the Word of God [2 Timothy 3:16].
Marching Orders
After the resurrection, Jesus remained on Earth for 40 days encouraging and instructing His followers [Acts 1:2-3]. Just before He left and went back to Heaven, He told His disciples to proclaim the Gospel “in all the world” [Mark 16:15]. Some translations say “preach the Gospel”, but you don’t have to be a preacher, or pastor a church, you just need to be willing to tell others what the Lord has done for you. Jesus also said that His followers will, in His name, cast out demons, speak with new tongues, be protected from deadly things and that they shall lay hands on the sick and they would be healed [Mark 16:17-18]. We as followers of Jesus should strive to do what He charged us to do.
Tongue Tied
The Bible tells us in many places the importance of what we say (see list below). Our future is tied to what we say now. There is power in our words, there is life or death in our words. It should not be surprising that our words carry weight to bring life or death. God made us in His image and His words created worlds, stars, galaxies and the whole universe. It is every believers responsibility to only speak words of life, words that build up not tear down.
- Proverbs 18:21 – Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
- Proverbs 12:18 – There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.
- 1 Peter 3:10 – Refraining from speaking evil and lies results in a good life.
- Ephesians 4:29 – Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but only what imparts grace.
- Proverbs 15:1 – A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.
- James 1:19 – Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.
- Psalm 141:3 – Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.
Don’t go-it Alone
As a believer it is important to fellowship with other believers on a regular basis. Whether it is a church, a home group or both, gathering with other Christians is important [Hebrews 10:24-25].