Welcome!
Passage: Deuteronomy 3 (NIV 84)
Today: The “art” of manipulation!
13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5, NIV 84) emphasis added
The scripture quoted above makes sense only to some, not all!
The trend in the world (and the church) today, is going by what the majority says, or by what the “pressure” around you says!
That is what even the national as well as state and local leaders do these days!
In a recent copy of the “Time” magazine, there was this article, the “Art of darkness”! These days, everything is some kind of an “art”; so why not talk about something that is happening around us every day, “the art of manipulation”
One day, I told someone something like an “idea”; in a few minutes, that person presented it to someone else, as if it was “his”; I just let it go!
In the long run, such trends fail; by being genuine, we can go far, if not fast!
When we use certain “survival techniques”, and do things “the wrong way”, it affects our very survival, in the end; instead, by being the “new creation” in Christ, we can impact others for good. People will come to a point where they find out that their “crooked ways” don’t work anymore; they may still continue the same way, only to make themselves emotionally and physically sick; this is a fact!
Compromising on your good character will cost you much, eventually
So, there is a “world’s way” and the “word’s way”of doing things
Practice the latter, the way of God’s word; you will be the winner!
12 Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God’s grace. 13 For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. And I hope that, 14 as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus. (2 Cor 1, NIV 84)-emphasis added
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Phil 4, NIV 84)-emphasis added
The media will give us lot of wrong inputs, and many people “live by them”; but those who feed on God’s word will live by that; it is healthy-emotionally and physically!
As we see people doing lot of “non-sense” stuff after watching such stuff on the media, there is a greater need for educating people with the good stuff, the good word, starting from our own homes; if we fail to do that, someone else will write “their stuff” on to the hearts of our children and our generation
When we are willing to do things right and wait for God’s time, He is responsible to make it good, in the end; we don’t really achieve anything by manipulating things or by doing any of such wrong things; Jesus’ way is the best!
Have a blessed day!
BG
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I admire you; I am proud that you are my friend, my brother and above all, my savior and my Lord and God! Help me to be myself, bringing your love and character out, treating people as you would treat them. So help me God; Amen
It might cost you something, to be yourself; but it will cost you a lot more, to be (like) someone else; so, be yourself, in Christ!