SCRIP-BITS

Wonderful words of wisdom my Friends! Most excellent advice from Bruh Paul; advice that’s even more appropriate today than when he wrote it to the church at Ephesus, long ago. Why? Because there are many more dangers and pitfalls in the course of ordinary life today than back then. ‘See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise.’ Yes people, it’s extremely important that we pay careful attention to our lifestyle; that includes our children, families, friends, neighbours and fellow believers. We’ve got to be always on the lookout for anyone or anything that’s going to cause us grief or harm, but also stuff that will diminish our work for Christ. Jesus warned His disciples: ‘Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.’ (Mat. 10:16) Jesus knew that people who believed in Him would have it rougher than normal and needed to be crafty and careful, but also innocent of wrongdoing. Bruh Paul expands on that in Colossians. ‘Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.’ (Col.4:5-6) So we’re not only to be circumspect with those we know, but also those we don’t, especially unbelievers, making the most of every opportunity to put our best foot forward, be on our best behaviour, in terms of physical appearance and demeanour, as well as wise judgement in our everyday lives. And we can do that in practical terms by being graceful and pleasant in our daily speech, speech that’s enlivened by wisdom, from knowledge of the Word, showing our godly character, and having that sure-fire combination direct our discussion of Christ’s gospel with others. In that way we’ll also be witnessing to unbelievers; showing them exactly what is meant by a Christian lifestyle, by living for Christ. Hopefully when they see our wise, positive behaviour, filled with joy and jubilation in the Lord, they’ll desire what we have and enthusiastically embrace Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour too. It’s the best way to witness; with our everyday lives. Note though Friends, we don’t only walk courteously and carefully as a means of witnessing but also ‘because the days are evil.’ Yuh better believe that mih brethren! In fact it’s an understatement. The days are more than evil. If Bruh Paul could only see the colossal heights to which sin has developed today, and the sheer wickedness involved, he’d be dumbfounded. And you know it would take a lot to put him at a loss for words. (smile) Oh Friends, I don’t need to tell you how bad things are in many areas of life cause we’re all seeing and experiencing stuff that we’d never imagine in our wildest dreams, but they’ve now become reality, and as such we have to learn to grapple successfully with all that evil stuff that’s hovering around. ‘Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.’ (Eph.5:17-18) Yes people, we can only overcome evil by understanding the Lord’s will, which is for us to live circumspectly, not immorally like the world will have us. And we can only do that by not going overboard in anything, but being filled with the Holy Spirit and allowing it to guide us. When we’re under the influence of alcohol, it leads us to moral intemperance, but when we’re filled with the Holy Spirit, it allows us to control our thoughts, attitudes and actions, in line with Jesus’ life, character and virtues, which is our eventual goal. To achieve that goal, Bruh Paul gives this practical advice. ‘Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.’  (Eph. 5:19-21) Yes fellow believers, that’s excellent advice. Let’s take it nuh, so that we can keep our focus on God and away from the evil lusts of this world that constantly bombard us. Much LOVE!…to live for God…be guided by the Holy Spirit…