"Thou wilt show me the path of life -- in Thy presence is fullness of joy. At Thy right hand, there are pleasures for evermore." (Psalms 16:11)
Let me say this. I do not want to be part of a 'worldly' club. Indeed, through numerous experiences in my own life, I have discovered that the things of this world are not enough to satisfy me. There is no promise from the world that when I am weary, that there is a viable option for renewing my strength. Nor does the world promise that when I am spent (from running to and fro at its every command) that we can mount up with eagles and fly -- and not be weary. Neither does the worldly club guarantee that by faith in the things of this earth, we can walk boldly and never faint.
Moreover, the worldly culture teaches us to fear on every level. What will happen if I lose my job? Or get sick? Or something terrible happens to my family? Or .... ??? You fill in the blanks. Whatever the potential worry or burden might be, the world does not steer me in a direction that suggests there is a way to overcome. The world does not allow me to trust its motives with innocent faith, because there are so many who went before me and failed miserably.
Indeed, regardless of what worldly club I join, the earthly mission statements are most often closed to a higher calling that sets us apart to live victoriously in liberty. Instead, these are generally rooted in a worldly mindset and culture that does not gravitate to peace and joy and liberty within their respective memberships.
Even though some organizations offer extensive support systems that are known to propel one's well-being in society (and in some cases, even professional careers) by virtue of memberships and exclusive participation, none of these can fill our being like the treasure of knowing the Lord's distinguished plan for our life, and His abundance of love that fills our soul with joy.
And yet, even though these worldly organizations -- individually or collectively -- do not hold the power to sustain the universe -- to place the stars one by one in the sky -- or to keep our earth turning on its course, as it should -- we are somehow led to these social places of belonging. Oh foolish Galatians -- as Paul would say -- "When will you learn?"
When will we learn to "delight [our]self in the LORD; and He shall give [you] the desires of thine heart?" (Psalms 37:4) When will we learn that we "can do all things through Christ which strengthens [us]?" (Philippians 4:13)
Sadly, even in the days of the apostles, it didn't take long for an inextricably intertwined 'world-like religious culture' to take root in the places where the gospel was preached. We read this in Paul's letter to the Galatians. Paul, an apostle (not by man which means man did not bestow that title upon him) but rather by Jesus Christ and God the Father who had raised Him from the dead writes the following:
"O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you -- Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law? Or, by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" (Galatians 3:1-5)
In other words, Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us. He has redeemed us from the bondage when the veil was ripped from top to bottom. For it is written, "Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree." That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; "that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." (Galatians 3:13-14) "
You see, because our Lord Jesus Christ shed His precious blood on the cross, we can be blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places. According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world ... that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself -- according to the good pleasure of His will." (Ephesians 1:1-5)
Therefore, "to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved -- in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace, wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence -- having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure, which He hath purposed in Himself." (Ephesians 1:1-9)
"Therefore, stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Galatians 5:1) Stand fast "in whom we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will --- that we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ." (Ephesians 1:9-14)
And if you must take on a mindset, be it not the one of this world. Instead, let Christ dwell in your hearts by faith; "that ye, being rooted and grounded in love may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height and to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
Now unto Him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto Him be the glory in the church by Jesus Christ throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." (Ephesians 3:17-21)
Let him who hath ears to hear, hear. Stand in the offering plate.
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