Sound Words (Page 25)

Lessons from 2020: Citizens of Heaven Loyalty is a desirable trait. Patriotism, loyalty to country, is admirable. Betrayal of country is treason. Loyalty is determined by law. The punishment for treason can be imprisonment or death. Christians are intensely loyal to country. This is because Christians are first loyal to God. It is by God’s authority that nations are established and governed. Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and…

Lessons from 2020: Trials Reveal Character My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2-4 NKJV). Considering trials as a reason for joy is a daunting challenge. Rather than resent unpleasant experiences, one must understand that there is always room for improvement. Additionally, keep in mind that it is the…

Lessons from 2020: I Am Not in Control Reflection is a valid tool for self-improvement. The root of reflection is the casting back of light, heat or sound. Think of an echo reverberating from a deep canyon or the stylish person smiling back at you from the vanity mirror. With the proper medium one can, over time, perfect his or her yodeling or improve his or her image. It is the same with the inner man. Choosing the correct medium…

Be Patient We have all heard the adage that patience is a virtue. The Christian is to indeed possess and practice this virtue. Patience is almost always considered from the passive perspective. It calls to mind the mother enduring the constant barrage of questions from an inquisitive child or a clerk kindly waiting for someone to make up their mind when ordering from the menu. The wise mother knows that this phase will pass all too soon and the experienced…

Be Brave Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love (1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NKJV). These instructions are part of the apostle Paul’s closing remarks in a very difficult letter to the saints at Corinth. In that letter he addressed a congregation plagued with division, immorality and corrupting influences. Judging from the number of issues one might conclude that the faithful were a minority in this congregation. Standing for truth…

Be Hospitable Hospitality is another hallmark of the Christian character, an extension of sincere love. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality (Romans 12:9-13 NKJV). Hospitality is…

Be Kind Kindness is a trait of the godly, a fruit of the Spirit that reflects the character of God. God has expressed kindness to mankind in the form of His Son. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the…

Be Diligent Very little in this life is accomplished without effort. Those willing to invest the effort required are those who succeed at any given task. Those who are diligent prove to be productive and successful in life. Diligence may be defined as constant, attentive and persistent effort. The Proverb writer pointed to the lowly ant as an illustration of this level of industry. Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain,…