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| ...But Religion |
Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” (John 5:5-6, NKJV)
We continue this week with the story of the sick man healed at the Pool of Bethesda. [John 5:1-15].
Deceived by Religion:
Deceived by Religion:
A second major reason people are devoid of desire is religion. Just how many have been sold the lie, "whatever happens is the will of God?" Really? Just how many are sold the lie, "it is God’s will for some to be rich and others poor; for some to be well and others sick, and the list goes on?" Why do we think a gracious God will so do?
Is that the example of grace we exhibit to our own children? Are we thus, then, saying we are more gracious than God? [Matthew 7:9-11; Luke 11:11-13] How so much religion has and is still robbing us? I love the way John Owen puts it. He said,
"That wisdom which cannot teach me that God is love shall ever pass for folly."
It is no weakness to say you don't know. When you don't know, when you don't understand, simply say so while holding to that you know and understand. That is strength. That is no weakness. That is the truth. That is no lie. That is life. You don't have to give an explanation for all things. Self-control is still a virtue, the spirit we have been given, and fruit of the Holy Spirit's presence and control.
Just because the secular world calls every act of nature "acts of God" does not mean God orchestrated it. Does it? Nor is it God only because religion cannot explain it. God has set laws and boundaries into motion. We either align or are aligned. We either use them, or they use us. God is neutral. We determine which direction the pendulum swings in our lives. We are the masters of our own destiny and fate.
God is Not Mocked:
God has done His part. The next move is ours. The questions are: "How are we playing? How are we going to play?" "God wants every area of your life to overflowing with good" (Gloria Copeland). "Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire." (St. Catherine of Sienna) Never forget you are the captain of your soul. You make the decisions. No excuses allowed.
God has set in motion laws and principles which determine what we get out of life. God’s desire is that we get on the right side of these laws and principles and thus get the best. The choice is ours. Cecil B DeMille notes,
“It is impossible for us to break the law. We can only break ourselves against the law.”
We are poor or rich based on the choices we make. It has nothing to do with the will of God for our life. If there is a will of God for our life, it is this,
“…that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” (3 John 1:2)
"God wants you well. God wants you prosperous. God wants you a whole person." (Oral Roberts)
So, get on God’s side; get on God’s program. Choose to be all that you can be. "Your richness, not your poverty; your health, not your sickness; your soundness of mind, not your stupidity, [1 Timothy 1:7] is what glorifies God. God has pleasure in your prosperity." [Psalm 35:27; Deuteronomy 8:18; John 1:16]
What are you waiting for?
© 2014 Akin Akinbodunse
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