Why so Negative?

Negative news sells but why?  Could it be that people like to gossip and hear about others are suffering to feel better about themselves?  Or is just the nature of humans to hear something that is negative because of the shock value that it generally brings? I tend to believe that people like to use this type of information to help them feel that though they may be suffering, that someone is in a worst situation than what they are experiencing, which makes them feel better about themselves as a result. 

I believe that humans in their fallen state like to gossip and talk about what is wrong with a person before finding anything good to say because it appeals to the sin nature that we all have been born into.  Do you ever find yourself having a difficult time resisting the urge to gossip?  When the rumors start flying isn’t easier to participate than to resist the temptation?  I know from my experience it always has been a difficult one to stand up against.  When God allows us to hear something that is negative could it be that He is asking to stand in prayer for the person or people involved so that He can get glory out of a situation that the enemy of mankind, the devil is trying to snuff out and defeat.  Because the believer who is truly linked to Christ, has the spirit of an Overcomer living inside of them.  For Christ overcame it all to give us life.  Thus if we will tap into that power source that He provides we can overcome any and all opposition that opposes us and instead of becoming a casualty that the devil is able to sway and defeat, we can provide light in the darkness that reflects the Overcoming King who is able to shine through us into a world that needs hope and belief that there is One who truly cares.  

 

So the next time you are faced with an opportunity to fall into the trap of gossip and negativity just recognize it for what it is and resist the temptation.  The Bible says to “submit yourself unto God, resist the devil and he will flee from you”.  For to become like Christ we must take on His nature.  And as we recognize the devil and how he tries to play us then we are no longer held in bondage to this because “light and darkness cannot be in the same place” So shine the light on these situations and resist the devil and victory will be yours.

Why is Sacrifice Necessary?

What does the world have to offer that people try to run after it and thinks that it will provide them with the satisfaction that they seek?  Jesus said to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.  Could the answer that we all are seeking is to know God and to be in His presence, because in the presence of God there is fullness of joy.  Money, fame, possessions are all nice to have and enjoy, but if they are you are pursuing than you are not in a place that God would want you to be.  Greed will eat your soul alive and as you continue to try and feed it, you will find that you can’t be satisfied and eventually it will lead you to the death of you.

However if one should pick up his cross and follow the example of Jesus Christ, by laying everything down, by not making your pursuit of worldly possessions your goal in life, but instead be willing to get to know the Savior of mankind with all your heart and soul, then the things that God will bring unto you will be able to meet not only your needs , but the needs of others because your heart will be free to give unto those who are less fortune than what you are.  The biggest thing that God is after is the heart of man because He wants relationship with us.  If we get our hearts aligned with Him and His way of doing things than we can enjoy life to the fullest because we will no longer be controlled by our sinful passions and desires and will live a life that is full of peace and joy in Him. 

Remember the two great commandments that Jesus Christ taught.  To love the Lord your God with all your heart, your soul and your strength and your neighbor as yourself.  Love covers a multiple of sins and if we as the Church are going to be relevant in the world we live in today than we need to allow His love to permeate us and be the reason why we exist so that the power of the cross can be properly demonstrated in a world that is looking for an answer to its sufferings and the power of evil which is keeping them suppressed.   For all of man is yearning to know God and we as His body must be willing to lead the way to hope and freedom by laying down our lives so that His name and person will be lifted up so that all men will see and know of the hope of salvation that only comes through Jesus Christ.  Will you join me in this crusade?  The choice is yours.