We all have our favorite passages of God’s Word that speak to our lives and hearts in powerful ways when we need them most. These familiar passages become treasures that we memorize so that they are readily available when the darkness of this world is close. But what about those other equally important passages of the Bible that just don’t seem to get as much attention. It seems that some of the following verses don’t make it into many Christian's “top ten list” for one reason or another.
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. – 1 John 2:15 While this verse is short, simple, and to the point, it certainly is not as easy to put into practice. That word “anything” is pretty comprehensive and it causes so many believers consternation and heartache. It begs the question of what we love most and often we do not like the answer.
Do all things without grumbling or questioning - Philippians 2:14 This verse tends to rain on our parades, especially when we are at our workplaces. We read “all things” in this verse and often wonder how we could do “anything” without complaining or questioning. Could you imagine a world and a church that took these words of Paul seriously? It would be radical!
"You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I say to you, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” - Matthew 5:43-44 Enough said. Read these words of Jesus and let it simmer a bit.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, - James 1:2 Pure joy? Really? Yes, really. Nearness often comes by trial. Patience comes by suffering. Sanctification is the process of God weaning us off the temporary pleasures of the world so we can have pure joy in Him.
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