Before I actually tried the lower grade gasoline, I called our auto service garage and asked about my idea. The service manager adamantly warned against using anything except high grade premium gasoline or the car’s engine would not run properly and I would soon be in for some expensive repair work.
His words were, “I wouldn’t even think about it, if I were you! This car was made to run on a specific type of fuel and alternative fuels or deviations from the operating instructions would diminish this car’s effectiveness or render it useless and would void the manufacturer’s warranties.”
The service manager’s remark reminded me of what many parents say when their kids mention doing something stupid or dangerous, “Don’t even think about it”.
From what I see around me, many of us still need our parents to remind us not to even think about doing certain things. I have to assume that many of us have gotten older but have failed to finish growing up.
Listen to what he Bible says about these matters when it comes to our personal lives.
Jesus says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Matthew5:27–28
In other words, “Don’t even think about it because it is the same as having done it!”
But, it’s deeper than that. God know that we are designed is such a way that the things we dwell on, we will act on, for good and for ill.
This matter is so serious that Jesus goes on to say that “If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. “If your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell.” Matthew 5:29–30
The Bible tells us, hundreds and hundreds of times, to
think on God’s Word,
dwell on God’s Words, to
meditate on God’s Words, to
hide God’s Word in our heart,
SELAH (think on this),
Because these things produce the Righteous Fruit of The Holy Spirit.
Is it any wonder, that when we fail to do this daily, that we and our churches look and perform little like what Jesus said we would become?
For example:
Jesus says that we are not to call anyone in the church, “Father” because God, alone, is our Father. Yet, many call a priest, their ‘father’.
Jesus says that we are not to call anyone in the church “Leader” because Jesus alone is our Leader. Yet, many have appointed entire ‘leadership teams’ in their churches.
The Bible teaches us that the debtor is slave to a lender and that we are to owe no man anything except to love one another. Yet, churches set the example of embracing debt which often ends badly.
The Bible teaches us that we are not to gossip or spread rumors to injure someone and that we are to control our tongue. Yet, members and pastors alike, whisper tales regularly.
The Bible teaches us that women are not to rule over, teach over men, and they are to ‘cover their heads and be silent’ in the church assembly and to stay under the authority of their own husband. Yet, many churches now openly ordain women as pastors, women brazenly preach and lead in churches.
The Bible teaches that homosexuality is a sin and many churches openly ordain and marry homosexuals in the church.
Remembering, that it is our attitude about these matters results in these sinful, rebellious behaviors. What we think, our attitudes comes first and counts most and indict us as enemies God.
How do we claim to be joint heirs with Jesus and called children of God when we disobey Him and live according to our own lusts? We should not and cannot. God is not mocked!
The day is coming, and may be at hand, that God will raise His Holy Remnant, He will judge His House first and then the final harvest will come. The Great and Terrible Day of the Lord is at hand.
Let’s spend time, daily, in God’s Word, meditating, dwelling, ruminating, thinking on Him and His Word and live!
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
PS: I had another troubling dream last night and I heard the words “Isaiah 1:10” repeated. I am not sure why, but, here is what it says:
10 ¶ Hear the word of the LORD, You rulers of Sodom; Give ear to the instruction of our God, You people of Gomorrah.
11 “What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me?” Says the LORD. “I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams And the fat of fed cattle; And I take no pleasure in the blood of bulls, lambs or goats.
12 “When you come to appear before Me, Who requires of you this trampling of My courts?
13 “Bring your worthless offerings no longer, Incense is an abomination to Me. New moon and Sabbath, the calling of assemblies — I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn assembly.
14 “I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed feasts, They have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them.
15 “So when you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; Yes, even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.
16 “Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. Cease to do evil,
17 Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow.
18 “Come now, and let us reason together,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.
19 “If you consent and obey, You will eat the best of the land;
20 “But if you refuse and rebel, You will be devoured by the sword.” Truly, the mouth of the LORD has spoken.