I make no distinction between sacred "things" and secular "things." ALL "things" are finite and only God is infinite. I view God as the "SOURCE" of all THINGS! [That from which or from Whom all things come into being or are derived or obtained. See 1 Corinthians 3:21-23] And, I view all "things" as simply RESOURCES. [Something that is available for use or can be used as a help in making life a little better]
"Walking after the "things" of the flesh" [ a no-no] is simply using or seeing "things" as the SOURCE for making life worth living. It can be ANY thing. American citizenship, family, appearance, relationships, job, recreation, preaching, church attendance, bible reading, giving, you name it. When THESE THINGS are seen as the SOURCE for what makes life worth living they have become an idol. God isn't, Himself, seen as the SOURCE for life.
"Walking after the "things" of the Spirit" [a yes-yes] is simply using or seeing "things" as a RESOURCE for making life a little better, but, all the while, seeing God as the SOURCE of it all. It can be ANY thing. American citizenship, family, appearance, relationships, job, recreation, preaching, church attendance, bible reading, giving, you name it. When THESE THINGS are simply seen as a RESOURCE for making life a little better or more enjoyable they ARE NOT an idol. God is, Himself, seen as the SOURCE for life.
All finite "things" will pass away. Only Infinite God will not pass away. Nor shall we once our mortality [finite] has one day at the resurrection put on immortality. [Infinite]
So life ISN'T a list of WHAT to do or what NOT to do in terms of priorities. But it is experiencing and celebrating God in ALL OF LIFE and enjoying all the resources [the things mentioned above added to the things in 1 Corinthians 3:21-23] He has delivered to you in your particular realm of existence on planet earth. AND, it is being a RESOURCE yourself for others along the journey choosing to introducing them to your SOURCE with the gospel message when possible. [Christ IS after all, the answer for life.]
Paul B.
3 comments:
Paul,
EXACTLY!! That's why hospitality is such an important ministry. The RESOURCE (our home, the love of Christ in us) is being used to for the purpose for which it has been given.
Besides, if we Christians are what we say we are, we will understand that as those, who by Christ's finished work have been welcomed into a heavenly (spiritual) home, as the hymn writer (Helen H. Lemmel) says, "the things of earth will grow strangely dim", and, might I add, the things of earth will become un-strangely clear,as no doubt, your words show that the RESOURCE must point to the SOURCE!
Thanks Paul,
A focus deeply lacking in the church today from my perspective is coming to and going from the church with such a low view of
God. This lends credence to your point of viewing life with a perspective of needing resources or knowing the Source of life. The first thing Jesus prayed for his disciples and us in John 17 is that we would know the Father. Knowing the Father comes about through knowing the Son and he is our Source of life and strength. We have brought the view of God down to the level of the flesh; no wonder there is so much frustration, anxiety, and lack of purpose. Thanks again for the timely reminder.
Steve
Paul,
Maybe I’m just nitpicking, but I’ve been warned about using the word “ALL” because many times there are exceptions.
How can God be the “SOURCE OF ALL THINGS” when there is evil?
I’d suggest that God is the source of ALL GOOD THINGS because Jesus said, “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” (Mark 3:25)
BTW, my wife agrees with you because you define “THINGS”.
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