Are You Extreme-Selah47-CMAW136

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There's been a lot of talk about extremism in our political and cultural landscape.  Basically, each side (whichever side of an issue or identity we're considering) is more and more calling those who disagree with them "extreme" as a pejorative term or as a way to criticise, minimalize or belittle someone.

In many ways I've been learning that a moderated approach to life is best especially when being too committed and energized by something becomes an idol for us.  I believe there is one exception to this rule of moderation, and that is when it comes to our faith.  We will be increasingly pressured to be more "tolerant" of other spiritual beliefs and to acknowledge and agree with the idea that all spiritual beliefs and moral ideas are equivalent.  Or we'll be pressured to just lighten up and not making everything about religion, or to keep compartmentalize our lives and keep religion out of other areas of our lives including our work.  I've been listening to the Screwtape Letters, a book written by C.S. Lewis in the 1940's.  The book is fictional series of letters from Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood.  They are demons, agents of Satan and the discussion is about how Wormwood can be more effective at drawing his human away from God and toward Satan.  In Chapter 9, Screwtape says "a moderated religion is as good to us as no religion at all"

So, make sure you're following the Bible and not doctrines of men, but if you are then don't listen to those who say you're too extreme about your religion.  I think a recent devotion from Brian Bigger speaks to this issue so I'd like to share it with you.

 

From 5/12

Decisive People

 

How long will you waffle between two choices? If the Lord is God then follow Him!

1 Kings 18:21

 

 

Indecisiveness gets people killed. Physically and spiritually. To "waffle" is to stand between two paths and struggle to make a decision firmly and then go in that direction. It killed Ahab, the king of Israel. He wanted to follow God, but he wanted to live in sexual immorality more. Caught in a tug of war he could not choose decisively and was destroyed. Ananias wanted to serve God and be a part of what He was doing in the earth, but he wanted to serve money more. His waffling killed him. John Mark wanted to be a missionary and experience the adventure of taking the gospel to people, but his fear paralyzed him. He couldn't choose between following God and trusting Him to protect him and playing it safe and protecting himself. It cost him. The landscape of history is littered with stories of missed opportunities, failed adventures, destroyed homes, churches and nations because people could not make a firm decision and stick with it. God calls His people to be decisive people. We need to make up our minds that when the choice arrives to decide between two paths, we will without hesitation choose to obey God and follow what the Bible says to do. End of discussion. If I have to choose between forgiveness and bitterness, the decision is already made. "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord". Don't need time to think about it. If I am at the crossroads of truth or lying, the decision is made. Same goes for anything else that is clearly defined as God's will in His Word. The enemy of our souls is constantly calling us to tarry between right and wrong. "Think about it", he whispers as he makes the wrong decision look so appealing. There is one response to "waffling between two opinions". "Follow me". Once I have made the ultimate decision to follow Jesus in everything, life becomes very simple. And wonderful.

 

 

Father, I have decided to follow your Son. Period.

 

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See Al Mohler 5/19

 

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John 9:4 NKJV "4 I[a] must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work."

 

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From Ben LaCorte

• It helps to know a bit about their belief system in advance.  You have to ask questions, but you can narrow down your questions with some knowledge.
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H - John Shirey - Time Management

• You need to set goals. This will help you realize when you're doing something unimportant.  Train yourself so that you can be set free.