Making Love Last | Wednesday
Verses 10-11 simply reinforce to me the amazing event at the end of time when every single soul that has ever lived will give worship to the God that created him or her. The phrase "those under the earth" suggests to me that even those NOT living will be part of this thing.
How do you even get that many people on the face of the earth at one time? All I can say is it will be one giant, amazing and yet humbling experience.
Verse 12 has always been one of those sticky verses for me. The first part is simple: We should act the same way in the presence of other Christ followers as we do when we're alone. But the second part is a bit more interesting.
Growing up in a more traditional religious denomination this verse was often used to push salvation by works. They'd say, "See, you have to work out your salvation. It isn't just the gift of grace."
But over the years I've found a calm place to land on the verse. I believe there is NOTHING I can do to earn salvation. But at the same time - true conversion leads to the following good "works:"
1. Accept Jesus' death on the cross for my sin.
2. Get baptized.
3. Love God well - which for me means attending church and leading my family to love God.
4. Love my wife well.
5. Love my kids well.
6. Train my kids well.
7. Love others well.
8. Do something with the life you've been given - make a difference in the world.
9. Surround yourself with people that are encouraging you in the above areas.
10. Pray often that you are living up to the above things and be willing to change if you're not.
As for the "fear and trembling" part, I think we just need to realize that it isn't a laughing matter. Accepting Jesus into your life isn't something you should put off until life is easier. It's a big deal and it deserves your attention right now - before anything else.
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