THE PONDER SERIES # 10 - TRUE SONSHIP

 God created man with a plan for his presence on earth but the entrance of sin created a disconnection between man and God. However, that perfect plan also had a restoration path for those who are willing. In the Body of Christ, we are all the children of God. That is the general idea and it is good especially as it is a huge step from those who are still in the world. There are good benefits that proceed from being born again spiritually in Christ of which the greatest is the gift of eternal life.

However, there is often a misconception that is born out ignorance or arrogance (of being born again) and that is idea that the quality of life for all is the same because we are the children of God. That is not true and recognising this will help to give commitment to becoming the person that God created you to be. Otherwise, the downside is a life that is limiting and less than God’s plans for you. Unfortunately most Christians are living their life at that lesser level.

The scriptures reveal this highest level of living as True sonship. Romans 8.13 explains this “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” Amplified. Being a child of God does not confer sonship. That is the undeniable truth. Sonship is the best quality of life and that comes from being influenced, controlled and guided by the Holy Spirit in all things.It is the type of life that Daniel, Joseph had and which is described in Daniel 11.32 as those who are strong(in power and authority) and do exploits that make them unique.

These set apart sons (generic form) of God are able to deal with all manner of circumstances only from the place of the spirit – the spiritual man as opposed to the carnal/naturally inclined life. A person who is daily being transformed, amenable to correction by the Holy Spirit and submitted to God. Willing to make the sacrifices of being a light to their generation. These are the collective that God will entrust His plans into their care.

Don’t  just seek to be  a ‘floor’ member of the Body of Christ. Set yourself apart as a son of God by living at the highest level of life and doing exploits for God. Be a person that God will speak highly of as He spoke of David as’ a man after His Heart’. The choice is yours to make and follow through. I pray for you as I do for myself that you will commit to walking in the experience of true sonship everyday.

THE PONDER SERIES # 9 - THE BLESSINGS OF OBSCURITY

 FAME is a powerful experience for anyone. It is natural for people to want to be recognised by their peers. The thrill of the limelight is overwhelmingly attractive and many will do anything to continually be in it. Hardly does anonymity seem a natural choice for anyone yet God has a lot to teach us about the blessings of obscurity (for a season). In a world where people are jostling for the attention of others, to be hidden from view is abhorrent to the natural man.

BUT PONDER on what The Word teaches through the life of Jesus Christ who despite being God came in the form of an ‘obscure’ birth, background and personality (carpenter) in order to restore us to our godly heritage. “But made Himself of no reputation taking the form of a bondservant and coming in the likeness of men” Philippians 2.7NKJV. His manner of birth was the same “And she brought forth her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloth and laid Him in a manger because there was no room in the inn “Luke 2.7NKJV.

Yet, in the end, Jesus was restored to Glory having accomplished His work. His life teaches us that there is a time for obscurity in order to fulfil the plans of God. Don’t be afraid to experience it for a season for God uses those times to develop us in spiritual maturity for the time of exposure. Our character is being formed and our mistakes are not known so that we quickly make changes. Joseph and David are two examples of people who were formed for greatness in the place of the unknown.

To be obscure does not mean unproductivity but a time of being out of the limelight and unknown to the larger community for a time. Those who allow God to do His work in them at this time, daily walking in His guidance will go on to play greater roles and will not fall for the deceptive lifestyle of the limelight and success.

The beauty of a diamond is not when it was polished and put on showcase but when it was being formed in the dark recesses of the earth for if it didn’t get its formation right, it would not become a DIAMOND to the world. Don’t be too quick to seek the commendation of men but be patient while the Lord works on you for a time will come when true commendation will come with effortless ease.

THE PONDER SERIES # 8 - THE VIRTUES OF GODLINESS

Prevalent in the world is the unspoken yet acceptable norm made popular by Niccolo Machiavelli that “the end justifies the means” – by this the success of any objective is said to validate the process by which it is achieved. Therefore there is no regard to how the goal is attained. Following this point, we are assaulted with the image of such ‘successes’ on TV, magazines, advert and books. Success has been encased in the robes of immorality, lusts, covetousness, greed and gets rich quick schemes. The values of decency, contentment and GODLINESS are seen as religious fanaticism.

Unfortunately, many Christians have imbibed this success syndrome and have limited the impact that their lives as light should have on others. There is an unbridled quest to succeed at all costs that drives people to engage in any manner of activity to achieve their objective – the commendation of men. Another myth is that such actions are necessary to achieve financial success. Is this the TRUTH? BUT PONDER on what God says.

Unlike the worldview, every aspect of achieving success is important to God – the principle of Godliness. 1 Timothy 6.6 “Now godliness with contentment is great gain”NKJV. God wants to direct our affairs to give us the best and also honour Him. Acting otherwise is disrespectful and disobedience. Moreover seeking after wealth rather than God is what creates this false life. It is important to know that material success is a blessing from God (Deu.8.18, Psalm 112.3)

Therefore it is error to think that the person who walks in godliness will not experience material success. The Bible warns that we should not be deceived by the “prosperity of the wicked” – those whose practices offend the law of God yet receive the accolades of men.(Psalm 37 & 73). We must take comfort that our best interests are known only by God and through the Holy Spirit these plans are revealed to us. They give us true lasting prosperity, fulfilment and contentment at every level. Our relationship with God is untainted and our soul is not held in bondage to sinful practices. This in turn strengthens our authority over the devil and his influenced.

Daniel, Joseph, Abraham and Jacob all learnt the way of Godliness in their lives and they all prospered. Your personal dignity and fellowship with God thrives in Godliness. Be resolute in your daily life to live by this virtue. It has both spiritual and natural gain. Don’t throw caution to the wind and seek to follow in the ways of the ungodly. 1 Timothy 6.11 urges us to flee from ungodliness rooted in the love of money and pursue GODLINESS.