As we review Matthew 6:9-13, the Scripture encourages us to think of God as our Heavenly Father. This is not an argument to say that God is male. Is to reflect the father image as significant in terms of authority, respect, and privileges. In certain situations during the time of Jesus the father actually had the power of life or death over his children. God provides for necessities, and in some cases luxury, he acts as our companion and helper, also. In the same way God as father to us so was an earthly father to his child. But this should not be restricted to fathers. It is also the duty of the church to father us all. What lessons do we want our children to learn as we follow the Scriptures and are involved with the church?
Faith is better than fate. Sometimes you see a person cross their fingers as if that would the fact change and outcome. It could be that the general population practices superstition more than faith. As believers in Christ, we must assume control over our lives so in turn we can turn that control over to God. It is important that we act as children, not as childish imps. As believers in Christ, our daily life has a cause to be, answers the how in life, and explore why we are here on this planet.
Generosity is better than greed. Jesus talked about how it was blessed to give. In fact, he gave an illustration of those facing judgment who were unconcerned about other people that had no food or clothing or home. How we think about other people indicates how we think about our own selves. What we take into consideration for other people comes from how we are grounded in God. As we relate to others is an indication how secure we feel while we negotiate through each day interacting with others. Our consideration of others is an indication of what level of love we express whether it be that is a friend, that is a brother, or divine selflessness. When examining our inner thoughts and our spiritual condition, it would be wise to admit how selfish we are, how conditional is our love to others, and how the divine love of God expressed through us.
Freedom is better than enslavement. We like to think of ourselves as free, but there is every likelihood that we are enslaved to materialism and the desire to be approved by others. We have become so accustomed to the rudiments of this world that it would be wise to pause and see exactly how we function and for what motive. Jesus wants us to be free to think. He has no problem with us asking questions. He wants us to evaluate what kind of a person we are on the inside. We must be a person that has a healthy basis from where to think. In Christ we are free to express our own emotions. However, emotions is no indication of how we are related to God for salvation or spiritual growth. Instead, emotions provide for us a means by which we can enjoy our spiritual stability and the victories we have in Christ. In him we are free to act independently. When God created Adam, he created the person with free will. In our lives today, it is imperative that we monitor how we act independently so that we bring glory to God.
Spiritually healthy churches support how to view faith as opposed to fate, if our giving is truly generosity in practice without seeking attention. A strong church encourages its members to practice freedom in their relationship to God and how we do or do not involve ourselves in the world. The church would debunk fate as an attitude. The church empowered by the Holy Spirit challenges greed conducted in any way. The church that is true to the Lord teaches people what true freedom is because Jesus said in him, we would have real freedom. In our service individually to God, it is vitally important that our churches support us in spirit and mind. A biblical church turns away from the idea of fun and entertainment in favor of worship and devotion. Selecting a church where to worship is the place where our heavenly father is vital to our private lives.
Christian Writer 