YOU SHOULD THEREFORE NEVER BE ASHAMED TO TELL OTHERS ABOUT OUR LORD
Sakkie Parsons
Translated from Afrikaans: “Jy moet dus nooit skaam wees om ander van ons HERE te vertel nie.”
Someone wrote to me about a, so to speak, a feud that exists between her and someone else – but the other person is not a Christian and she doesn’t think there will be a solution if she humbles herself and approaches the other person. Therefore, she doesn’t think it’s worth it.
Here then follow how I would attempt to handle this kind of situation in my own life:
This is not about whether it is not worth it – but about me, who declare that I am a child of our Lord, and if our Lord is my Father, the family agreement between Him and myself should be seen.
If I confess that I am a child of our Lord, I should begin by making sure on my part that, first, nothing stands between me and my Lord:
MATTHEW 5:23-24
23So if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and while there you remember that your brother has something [such as a grievance or legitimate complaint] against you, (or you remember that you have something against him)
24leave your offering there at the altar and go. First make peace with your brother, and then come and present your offering. (Then your offering will be acceptable to our Lord and your relationship with your Father will also be what it should be.)
In other words:
ROM 12:18-19
8If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.
Also:
PHIL 4:8
8Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].
As I understand the Word and have practical experience after my conversion of more than 51 years in my own life, I now want to share the following with you:
From us – as children of our Lord – on our journey through this life to our final destination, our Lord expect us to act as the people in the world will not or cannot act. Because you see – true Christian is not for the week-kneed, but then we can never be weak-kneed. We are our Lord’s soldiers and what’s more, He handpicked each of us:
2 TIM 1:9
9for He delivered us and saved us and called us with a holy calling [a calling that leads to a consecrated life—a life set apart—a life of purpose], not because of our works [or because of any personal merit—we could do nothing to earn this], but because of His own purpose and grace [His amazing, undeserved favor] which was granted to us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago],
Not only did He handpick us as His soldiers, as I mentioned, but He, our Leader, set us the example in this matter:
2 TIM 1:10
10but now [that extraordinary purpose and grace] has been fully disclosed and realized by us through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus who [through His incarnation and earthly ministry] abolished death [making it null and void] and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
Therefore, my friend –
Do what needs to be done because:
2 TIM 1:7-8
7For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].
8So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord or about me His prisoner, but with me take your share of suffering for the gospel [continue to preach regardless of the circumstances], in accordance with the power of God [for His power is invincible],
In this regard, I have also written “Maintain an Exemplary Lifestyle Among the Non-Christians” which deals with the thought: When I should stop talking and ‘shake off the dust from my feet’ which I can gladly send to you on your request.
Sakkie
Email: bediening@sakkieparsons.co.za
Website: www.sakkieparsons.co.za
Cell: 083 457 6669
Jude 1:24-25 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy, to the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
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Some of the daily thoughts have been translated into English at this time. Should you wish to read of the others, please let me know so that I can prioritize the translation thereof. Please send me an email requesting the required daily thought.
J