01/30/2024
I was preparing a message recently from Hebrews ch. 10 about a call for followers of Christ to exercise right thinking which, in turn, should lead to right actions. Over the years I have, all too often, found myself doing things out of routine or convenience, or for other inane reasons, that are not based on good and careful thought. Then, I wonder and ask myself, just what was I thinking? These afterthoughts might help a bit, but they don’t always prevent me from repeating the same or similar types of actions. Thankfully, though, there are times when I have learned not to repeat certain actions! One such time was when I was trying to ride a minibike up and on to a trailer (and, by the way, not that long ago) and was thrown off after the third unsuccessful attempt. Leslie made a comment somewhat to the effect that I am old enough to know better than trying such a thing! Though I didn’t ask for her counsel…I did take it to heart and have tried, at least on occasion, to remember my age.
There have also been times when I haven’t always done or said the right things in relational or ministry settings that have caused harm to people and to the work I was trying to accomplish. Reflecting on those times makes me wish that I had been more thoughtful (and selfless) before speaking or acting. Thankfully, there have likewise been times of solid biblical and practical reflection before acting that have resulted in positive blessings from God.
How has good or bad thinking affected your actions? The writer of Hebrews, as mentioned earlier, exhorted those believers to base their behaviors upon what they knew about the work of Christ on their behalf. Jesus has, once and for, paid the sacrifice for sins, torn down the barrier that kept us from being able to approach God, and provided access into His very presence. The writer then exhorted the believers toward practical actions based on these facts. This requires thinking right about what God, through Christ, has done, and then acting appropriately. Ultimately, he exhorted them to draw close to God, hold fast their confidence in Christ’s return, and ponder seriously on how to stimulate each other to love and good deeds.
I sometimes need the reminder that what I do, individually, and what we do, collectively is not merely based on my own preferences and comforts, but upon me understanding well and reflecting frequently and carefully on what Christ has done. One of the words that the writer uses is written in what is called the perfect tense (which sounds boring, but has serious implications). It means that Jesus did something in the past that has abiding results. What He did has continual effects on us, in relation to Him, and to each other.
Upon what are you building your life and ministry? Let’s be sure to be about the very basic things that are of great importance to God and not get distracted or derailed into things that might be good, but just of God.
