SCRIP-BITS

Oh my faithful Friends in Christ Jesus, another beautiful summer’s day is in the offing, bringing with it new mercies and blessings, except perhaps rain. But that should not change or lessen our attitude towards our God. We should still be faithfully LOVING, serving and worshipping Him. In fact it should energize us, cause us to work harder, pray more diligently for that glorious blessing that pours down from heaven in God’s mercy, and which plays such a vital role in all aspects of our lives. So as this quote from the American poet and educator, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882) wisely advises: ‘Let us then be up and doing, with a heart for any fate.’ And that’s something we all need to do my people, for though a daily routine is good, giving us stability and safety, we need to step out of its comforting confines every so often, to wake up our too comfortable souls and spirits some. Why do we need that you suspiciously and querulously ask from your easy chair? Because ‘a sprinkling of risk is the seasoning that adds zest to our lives.’ So let’s wake up, let’s resurrect that joy, that vitality we had for life and living, until we let the burdensome cares of the world beat and wear us down. Unfortunately, a lot of believers have allowed Lucifer to steal the enthusiasm which God inspires in us, so that we can run the arduous earthly race set before us to glorify His Holy Name. As our Bit questions: ‘Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.’ Yes Friends, if we want to win the prize, we’ve got to run, to put out, to exert ourselves more than normal. And here’s a timely quote from the scholars explaining Bruh Paul’s use of the race analogy. ‘Paul draws on a scene familiar to his Corinthian readers in order to drive home his point. The Isthmian Games were an athletic event known to all of his readers. They were held on alternate summers in the vicinity of Corinth. It was an event not to be missed by anyone of importance in all parts of Greece. As a national institution, it was familiar to his readers as modern football to most Americans.’ That shows that big athletic games are nothing new, neither is running to win a new idea. And why do we expend all that energy? I’ll let Bruh Paul explain it. ‘And every man that striveth for the mastery (competes for the prize), is temperate in all things (has self control). Now they do it to obtain a corruptible (perishable) crown; but we an incorruptible (imperishable).’ (I Cor.9:25) That tells us two things my Friends: The first is that believers who are vying to win God’s prize must let moderation and self-control be their guide. And secondly, and most importantly, the crown we’re trying to win is not one that’s perishable, like the things of the world, but imperishable, like the things of God. Consequently, Bruh Paul continues: ‘I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under (discipline) my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway (disqualified).’ (1 Cor.9:26-27) That means my brethren we have to be very certain of our goal(s) and pursue them confidently and faithfully, not in a wish-washy, doh care manner, and be also well disciplined, both in body and mind. Only by being a good, solid, living example, can we lessen the risk of losing God’s crown, of being disqualified from the race of life. One of the most terrible things that can ever happen to us is to be caught not practicing what we preach. Then we become a laughing stock, viewed as unworthy, a hypocrite of the highest proportions. Oh Friends, it’s sad, but too many believers these days fall into that unfortunate class of people, and thus bring a bad name to Christ’s church. Please, let’s strive not be numbered amongst that lot. Let’s hunker down, starting RIGHT NOW, let’s discipline our selves so that we can live a life that teaches, encourages man, and glorifies God! More on this tomorrow, our God in favour. Till then, continue fighting the good fight of faith and running a strong race of glory with God’s help. Much LOVE!…examples work more forcibly on the mind…than precepts…than mere talk…