THE PONDER SERIES # 6 - THE SPIRITUAL MAN HAS IT ALL!!!!

 Good news! The spiritual life has it all while the natural does not. We live in a world that we do not belong to spiritually yet we must contend with its influences in order to remain in our salvation till the end. Therefore an understanding of its mindset is crucial to achieving this objective. The worldview is founded on the natural process that lives by the senses. Their lifestyle thrives on seeking after the material with no place for the spiritual.

They believe that what can’t be seen or observed does not exist and therefore are unable to comprehend the things of the spirit. Even where there is any consideration of the spiritual, it is a form of religion that elevates the mind rather than CHRIST. 

BUT PONDER on what CHRIST said” But seek (aim and strive after) first of all His Kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right) and then all these things taken together will be given you besides” Mathew6.33.Amplified.

Jesus emphasised that the real experience of life flows out of having a fellowship with Him that provides guidance from which godly conduct proceeds. The spiritual man HAS IT ALL (spiritual and material wealth. Psalm 112) contrary to worldview. This is lacking in the world where material gain has enslaved the souls of men.” So then those who are in the flesh cannot please God’ Romans 8.8.NKJV  

WISDOM is LIFE and CHRIST IS THE TRUE WISDOM. Don’t be drawn to a life devoid of spiritual wisdom regardless of its attractiveness. It will never give true fulfilment and salvation. Be obedient to the Voice of God “But those of us who reverence the Lord will never lack any good thing “Psalm 32.10.LivingBible.Valid spiritual experiences will give material blessings with contentment and godliness. In the end, (and that process begins from now) what will it profit a man who lived by his senses and loses his soul? NOTHING BUT IN CHRIST, YOU GAIN IT ALL!!

THE PONDER SERIES #5 - THE LOVE OF MONEY

Look around the world today and see that the quest for monetary gains has overshadowed and almost overwhelmed moral and spiritual values in the lives of people. Christians have not been left out and this can be seen in the glaring show of monetary displays in our churches.

It is clear the ways of the world has gained some influence in our midst. The lust for money and material possessions as a lifestyle is so pervasive that virtually every sphere of human existence has been tainted – from love, friendships to service. It seems the more you ‘give’ the better your influence and position of authority in the Church.

If you use the present yardstick, Jesus’ disciples would have been found unworthy. For Jesus chose them after a night of prayer from spiritual revelation and not financial value. The process of acquisition is also corrupted by all manner of schemes, manipulations, extortion and outright theft. Then ‘end justifying the means” mindset. But PONDER on what God says. The scriptures call it the love of money. It is a spirit that possesses the souls of people to bring the in to the bondage and control of money – doing anything for to gain it.

But this is condemned by God” But people who long to be rich soon begin to do all kinds of wrong things to get money, things that hurt them and make them evil minded and finally send them to hell itself. For the love of money is the first step toward all kinds of sin. Some people have even turned away from God because of their love for it and as a result have pierced themselves with many sorrows” 1 Timothy 6.9-10. Living Bible

The key issues raised are the lust and love – the inordinate desire to be rich. God has blessed us with material wealth and His wisdom gives us access to financial opportunities with Godliness. There is nothing wrong with wealth but when it is desired and sought after without the wisdom of God, it will lead to ungodliness in the end.  Unfortunately in the quest to impress, many Christians have fallen to the ways of the world in loving money above Godliness.

“ For wisdom is  a defence even as money is a defence, but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom shields and preserves the life of him who has it” Ecclesisiates 7.12. Amplified Bible. 

Money is good but ist is not the essence of life – the eternal spiritual goodness. The wisdom of God will give you life and material riches while at the same time preserving your soul. That is what all of financial gain cannot do. Choose which you will follow today!!!

THE PONDER SERIES #4 - TRUE SPIRITUALITY

In the world we live in, there are a lot of good works and in a lot of cases, there is an intention to give a subtle undertone of personal spirituality. These works are seen in various spheres of life from social entrepreurship, self improvement seminars, human rights, business to religious. Nothing wrong with receiving them but there will be if, these gifts cause you to look away from Jesus Christ as the source of life and all that flows from it. Unfortunately, a lot of these good works leave that impression to most undiscerning minds.

The Kingdom of God is first about the acknowledging the Creator- CHRIST, the author and finisher of our faith and life and living in His guidance. It is fatal to one’s soul to do otherwise. How is this possible? Simply, by failing to separate such good works from the giver’s beliefs and conduct.  For to receive the total package may undermine your faith life in very subtle ways.

A good example is that of a very popular talk show personality admired for her business savvy and good works yet in her words and deed UNDERMINES the PERSON AND PRINCIPLES of CHRIST. In addition, she goes on to teach that the mind is ‘god’. But PONDER on what God says. Jesus Christ spoke to his disciples”... But again I say.” Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Then at last, they understood that by ‘yeast’ he meant the wrong teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees” Mathew 16.11-12. Living Bible.

These religious teachers were an important part of the Jewish life yet Jesus said to be careful of their teachings because they were challenging God’s Word and authority. Teaching takes the form of speech and conduct in influencing people. God is not against such good acts except where they seek to uphold the doctrines of men and not the RIGHTEOUSNESS of CHRIST” You can never please God without faith, without depending on Him” Hebrews 11.6.Living Bible

HOW DO YOU RESOLVE SUCH CONTRADICTIONS? Exactly as Jesus did “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s’Mathew22.21.NKJV. Receive of such acts of goodness, be inspired by their form but maintain your faith in CHRIST regardless of the conduct and speech of such givers.

THE PONDER SERIES #3 - THE JOY OF SMALL BEGININGS

Recently, I read in the papers about a man caught at the Lagos International Airport with cocaine and claimed his reason for engaging in this illegal activity was a desire to start business in a big way. He wanted quick financial returns. This young man didn’t want to start small. He despised small beginnings. His manner of thought is what is prevalent in our world today where people are no longer interested in growth experiences that begins in a seed form. The Word teaches us that on this earth, there is a seedtime and harvest. Seed time represents small beginnings in anything or in life. So trying to shortcut the process is not only spiritually wrong but against nature. How can such a person hope to succeed?

Is this the right attitude to life? The crash that affected the world’s financial markets was in part due to the syndrome of ‘get rich quick” investment products. 

But PONDER on what God says about small beginnings “Who (with reason) despises the day of small things?” Zechariah 4.10.Amplified Bible. Have a BIG vision of your life but you must start with one small step. The journey of a thousand miles begins from a step and not 100 steps. The evolution of life begins from a seed form and not a harvest. Many want to circumvent this process. Who builds a house from the top?

The seed form is the foundation of life or anything. God uses this time to establish us in the wisdom of life that will sustain us as we grow. The mistakes at this time are of smaller consequences yet gives us the experience for dealing with bigger challenges. Like a seed planted, we are pruned and nurtured for future and larger roles. The Bible teaches us to be faithful in little things” His Lord said to him. Well done good and faithful servant, you were faithful over a few things. I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord” Mathew 25.21NKJV.All of the companies and individuals that are admired in the world all began in a small form and grew bigger.

If you prove to be diligent, faithful and wise about anything or your life, you will experience the specific expansion you desire. “And though you started with little you would end with much” Job.8.7. Living Bible