Get your mind out of the gutter! Did your parents ever say that to you? I'm sure we've all spent some time in the gutter, and it's not a very nice to place to be quite frankly. The gutter has many different names....many different descriptions. It seems like every few days, (or hours) I need to remind myself that the gutter is a place that man goes naturally, and that man cannot climb out of on his or her own. It's a place none of us like to be, (especially once were out) but it's a place we all gravitate towards. It's like this: you don't like to gossip...but...someone just mentioned this person you really don't like, and now they are spilling the dirt on them that just tickles your ears, and down to the gutter you go as you drag their name down in your conversation. (been there) Or, your mad at your spouse, your kids, your dog, you whatever, and rather than taking the few minutes to breath and ask the Lord for assistance (that's what He's waiting for you know) we plunge forward into our display of anger and rage, after all, it was justified right? Gutter time.
Oh the way of man, it is so different from the things that God intends for us. It's so opposite of what we were first created for. We were born to be, apart of something holy. Have you ever heard those lyrics in a popular christian song out right now? It's true. We were. And when we go down to the depths of all the gutters that are out there, we pass up on an opportunity to be apart of something holy. When we give into temptation to rage, lie, lust or covet, we miss out on our wonderful chance to see God's strength play out in our weakness. We miss out on the opportunity to see Him work in all His strength, might and glory. I for one, want to see more of this in my own life, not because I feel that I deserve it, (for I don't) but because I know God has chosen me as His daughter, and part of being a daughter of a King (or son) is that you get to see the stuff that other people on the outside don't get to see your dad do. Things that He reserves for the ones who live with Him. It's a gift...a priceless gift to be able to enjoy His talents. His talents are priceless and there is no cap on how great He can be.
He has the strength to help you every single time you need it. Every single time that gutter calls your name, you merely have to rely on His strength, and watch my friends, as you walk past the gutter you used to slide into without even meaning too. (or meaning to ) But regardless...it's His strength, His provision and His might that will keep you from retracing your old steps, back into the depths of dark places that do not glorify Him. We were made to be apart of His holy plan, and in His holy plan, there is no room for gutter talk, gutter thoughts, and gutter ways. Those are the things of our pasts that we need to leave behind us. Not that we don't still trip and fall into one once and a while, not that we don't still willingly sin, but the amount of what we do this is challenged constantly by our knowledge of Him, and the understanding that we were made to think on more lovely things now! ( for we are saved by grace)
So think on these lovely things my friends, the fruits of the spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness Gentleness, Self Control. Ray Stedman said it like this: "basically the fruits of the spirit are summed up in CHRIST LIKENESS..." I love that. Christ likeness is the likeness that I want to be seen when other look at me.
Whenever I am tempted to do something half-way, (because lets face it, no-one is watching) or to say the thing that I know is evil, or think the thoughts that I know are not pleasing...I say this to myself..."be Holy, for HE is Holy...be perfect, for HE is perfect." There is no other standard by that which I need to be concerned of. For the standard of Christ is the highest and most perfect you will find. And also, reaps the best rewards and benefits. The rewards are this: an upright countenance, never a thought to second guess yourself (did I do this wrong?) a clear conscience and an understanding that you gave everything your possible best, for His glory alone.
What I say may sound like a lot of work. Let me just say, I do none of this in my own strength, no one can. And if we try, we are will end our days exhausted, tired, and feeling as though we failed. WE DO NOT DO THIS IN OUR OWN STRENGTH. It is the power of Christ that holds us, moves us and propels us past our gutters, through our trials, up the mountains and through the oceans of our lives. This once again friends, has very little to do with us, and everything, absolutely everything to do WITH CHRIST. (no lie) and I for one, am so very thankful I have the knowledge that leads to hope, freedom and peace. *you can have it too...anyone can.* Tap into the only source that sustains us. Christ. Jesus Christ. Oh how I love you Lord.
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