December 2019 - GraceAndWorks

20/20 is know as having a perfect vision. In this blog I want to take a look at what we would call “A Perfect World”. Maybe it is more wishing than an actual happening. I have a Perfect Vision”.

Everyone would come to Jesus and be obedient. They would attend all Worship Services, all Bible classes, accept Jesus as the Son of God and be Baptized, be loving towards ALL fellowman, be kind and courteous, help those that are needy, not be judgemental, repent of sins, open their Bibles and study everyday, be diligent in the Lord’s work, and stand steadfast in what they learn and have been taught.

All families would care for one another, love one another, communicate, no arguing, help where help is needed, and just be there for one another.

All government officials would be elected by a unanimous vote with the best person being elected, no agenda except what is best for the people they represent, no taking money “Under the table”, no arguing or bickering, the American people would all be happy, everyone is employed, no debt–all bills paid each month, health costs are affordable and you would know the costs before any tests or procedures are done, no wars, no needless deaths, and no criminal acts.

A wish list–maybe. A utopian society–maybe. Wild dreams–maybe. Things to strive for–absolutely!!

God has laid out, in His written living word, a Utopian society. If we would do what He says and stay obedient to what He has laid out, the above mentioned statements could and would become real. Think about that!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!! SMILE God loves YOU!!

 

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For everything in the world–the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” 1st John 2:15-17  Just what is the “Lust Of The Eyes”?

Simply put, the lust of the eyes is the want or desire to gain what we see or to have those things which have a visual liking or appeal to us. The desire for money, possessions, or other material things is not from God, but from the influence of the world around us. This passage, in 1st John, states that material things don’t last, they will pass away. Whereas the child of God is guaranteed eternity.

In Exodus 20:17 covetousness (“Lust Of The Eyes”) is addressed in the 10 Commandments. You shall not covet: 1) Your neighbors house 2) Your neighbors wife 3) his male servant 4) his female servant 5) his ox 6) his donkey 7) Or anything that is your neighbor’s. Coveting includes the desires to have people , possessions, money, and/or status.

In Genesis 3:6, Satan uses the lust of the eyes to temp Eve. It says she looked at the forbidden fruit and saw it was “pleasing to the eye”. In Matthew 4:8 Satan used a similar tactic on Jesus when he “showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their greatness”. He then promised to give them to Jesus–for a price. Jesus did not give in to the lust of the eyes, and Satan was defeated.

We must resist the “Lust Of The Eyes”. The world is full of good looking “Stuff”. Materialism comes at us with a promise of being happy and contented. Society is bombbarded with advertising that might as well say, “Covet This!!”

It’s been said that “All That Glitters Is Not Gold”, and a Christian knows that fame and fortune quickly fade away. Let’s not focus on the newest product or the latest fashion, but let us keep our focus on knowing Christ and the Power Of His Resurrection, keeping fellowship with those of like minds.

EYES SET ON JESUS so OUR VIEW IS ETERNITY!!

SMILE God loves YOU!! Have a good day all.