Disciples of Christ, must learn to lean and depend on the mighty arm of God. Our daily plans ought to be drawn up with the cause of Christ in mind. From the epistle of James, we learn the wisdom of including God. Before we finalize our daily plans, we ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live, and also do this or that” (James 4:13-16). Brethren, we must not allow any activity to become so important in our hearts and minds that it influences us to lean away from God rather than toward Him.
We must be determined to lean toward the spiritual, unseen things of life, rather than the see and touch fruits of the world. Constantly prying into worldly notions and ambitions will surely lead us toward the cliff of spiritual disaster. Yes, it is difficult to walk the narrow way when we have misplaced values—for worldly values will, in the end, overwhelm us (James 1:19-22). According to James, we must sweep the filth of sin out of our minds so we can make room for the pure, unadulterated Word of God.
Purchased by the blood of Christ, Disciples of Christ now walk in a new and better way (John 14:6). When faithful seekers lean in, embrace, and practice spiritual matters, the devil’s sway is successfully thwarted. On the other hand, we show our spiritual immaturity when we allow materialism and other non-thinking behavior to hinder our progress in Christ. Jesus made it abundantly clear what our priorities must be. We must constantly lean toward and spiritually grasp “…the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).
Our hopeful expectation of Heaven will keep us on the way to glory. Those who refuse to seek the abundant life in Jesus, (John 10:10), will be most miserable in the Day of His Judgment (Hebrews 9:27), “For it is appointed for a man to die once, then the Judgment.” An honest desire to lean toward the Lord, with a spirit of obedience, will bring a lifetime of blessings (Mark 10:30). Yes, brethren we must continue to look to the future with hopeful expectations regarding our home in Heaven.
For those outside of Christ, the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16), is available to all who would lean upon Him in simple trusting faith.
From the apostle Paul, we learn that “…all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:27). Yes, in the watery grave of baptism, we put off the sinful old man ways and put on the way of Jesus Christ. Then Jesus adds the obedient ones to His blood bought church (Acts 2:47). “Therefore, if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
This new found happiness in following Jesus, and the surety of His promises, helps us to forever lean on His mighty arm (1 John 2:25).