Sanctification: Mine Fields
By Larry White
03/30/2013
Life seems to be a series of small tragedies. One after the other we all sin or stumble. Those who are disciplined and endure it are left with a vision of heartache and ruin in the lives of everyone around them. Everyone they know has had their ups and downs, their successes and failures. Life is a mine field, and like the writer of a recent movie script said, "It's all we can do to make it to the other side without getting ourselves blown up, until we find there's nowhere left to step." However, there is a way we can float over the mine field. Like Jesus walking on the water while the sea and the waves were roaring. Being like him, strong and not affected by the trials and traumas that break our hearts. Having the mind of Christ is having another perspective on our circumstances, which gives us a clarity of mind that is above the storm. The trials and temptations yelling at you from the waves, find no answer coming from you. No fear or worry; no attachment to the pull and draw of worldly desires or anxieties in your heart; they find no answer there. But what resides there, is a love of God and peace. Trusting in him and walking in his light and being able to see, through his eyes, the horizon and port of your destination, your home.
"Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." Remember your true identity. In Christ Jesus you are not of this world. You died. You were crucified. The world and the things and people in it, hold no fascination for you. Your only interest is to love them and see them lifted up out of the waves and mire, standing at Jesus' side along with you.
We have a remedy for all the mines and the explosions, upheavals and betrayals of life. We have what can dampen and snuff out all the fires that we come upon. Love will cover the multitude of sins. Love them in the perspective that God gives you and offer correction for the sin. Remind them of who they are and give them strength in their hearts. "Rejoice with them that do rejoice and weep with them who weep." (Rom. 12:15)
This perspective does not make you ineffective to deal with the issues of the day but rather will make things clear with no fear so that you can deal with the problems at hand. God is your foundation, truth is your atmosphere, and love is the roof over your head.
Jude 20-25
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to God our savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.LW