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"Think on These Things..."

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."  Philippians 4:8

The whole purpose of God for mankind---in a nutshell, is to bring us up to a higher level than just being a smart animal.  Genetically, there is not that much difference between us and the apes.  Our physical bodies are a buffer zone, so God can see what kind of character we have, before he bestows eternal life and God power to us.  It would be too dangerous to give that kind of power to someone who would abuse it. 

Thus, being physical, allows God to see what we're made of before He "gives us the keys to the car" figuratively, speaking.  If we are wild and uncontrollable and dangerous to ourselves and others, God reserves the right not to let us have full spiritual "privileges." 

But, He is fair, suppose we mess up and Christ's sacrifice does not cover us---and for that reason, we don't qualify for eternal life at the 1st resurrection???  Then God has a backup plan.  The 2nd Passover is a type of the "2nd resurrection." (Better known as the Great White Throne Judgment which comes at the end of the millennium.)  This judgment is the last chance to "get the keys to the car."  If we can't behave ourselves and be good by then, then God knows that we wont ever be capable of it.

So what does God want from us?  It must really be hard right?  No, it's not that hard, and we don't have to be particularly that smart either...He wants us the keep the rules.  Just like a teenager has to be home by a certain time, maintain certain grades, don't talk back, don't have a bad attitude, etc...  Our Spiritual Father has His set of standards that we have to meet. 

Of course, we need to keep the Ten Commandments, the food laws, the Holy Days, etc...  These are required, but our attitude is important too.  The fruits of the Spirit show the attitude that God wants us to have. 

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.  Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.... Galatians 5:22-26

Imagine having a teenager who had an attitude of love, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  You would have no problem trusting him, ever.  You would give him whatever he wanted. 

A positive attitude is also required for blessings.  You basically get what you think about all the time.  So be really careful what you think about.

"The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.  Proverbs 10:24

They both get what they think about.  Anytime you feel negative, you can change it.  This is where that fruit of the Spirit called self-control comes in.  Did you know that you can change your thoughts from negative to positive---in the blink of an eye.  Yes, you have that power in you, but you may not be using it. 

Scientists know that the human mind is much like a computer, and it has many "files."  And guess what, your memories (files) are stored in folders.  For example you have your "Sparky, my dog died folder."

In that folder in your brain, you have all the thoughts about that subject, how you cried, how it hurt, how he was the best dog you ever had, how he got hit by a truck......BUT---the painful emotions of that memory actually lag behind for about 90 seconds. 

This is why you will see people bring up a sad memory, and in about a minute and a half, they start crying.  All because of this 90 second emotional lag time.  How you avoid the pain when you think about Sparky, is to distract yourself and change the subject in your brain.  Shift it onto the price of gas....no that might make you cry too.  How about shift it onto a television show, a book, take a bath...anything different.  You'll be surprised that, wow...that didn't hurt me like it usually does. 

All of this point, was so that you can see, that you can think of positive things.  They are much more pleasant to feel.  You'll be happier.  Why should you subject yourself to negativity.  It is like a poison to the human mind.  Positive thoughts feel so good, and you get a blessing from having them as well......"the desire (what you think about and long for) of the righteous shall be granted."  And, don't forget, the wicked will receive their fears.

God is a very positive being, and His children will be just like Him.  That's why the Bible admonishes us to develop this positive mindset,

 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."  Philippians 4:8

Click here for a streaming sermon on the Fruits of the Spirit.

FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT

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                         2007