Scripture:
Romans 2:29
But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter, and his praise is not from men, but from God.
Observation / Application:
Apostle Paul is speaking to the Jews and non Jews what it takes to be a honest and true believer of God. It is not by words we speak nor by how much we read. There are so many who can speak the words by quote by quote, but can use that gift against it. There are who preach to others yet, they themselves cannot live up to God's standards. Regardless how much we show to others of our belief, if we don't own it and recognize God for who he is and what he give, than it is just all imitation. Just like as we stereotype people with only the outer appearance, the view we see is just exterior which much deception. Just because one has art of cross on their body to express their emotion doesn't conclude that the individual can be a divine believer and disciple of God. Our eyes should not judge nor let it be tempted to look away from God. I use my family as best example, because I can relate and speak to it.
Everyone at my aunt's congregation have believe her stories and deception, due to her diligent work of putting this faithful believer exterior, when in fact, she has let the lust of possession consume her, and she is leading her life by the example of sins. Yet because she think she speaks the talk she is saved and she is forgiven, when her deeper and true self is worthless. Her spirit is not genuine, rather is deceitful and her actions to take God's word as part of her wrong doing is much more disgrace to God. As the verse quotes, you can define you are christian by word of mouth all we want, but our Christianity and belief comes from God's grace and ourselves surrendering to God in all, having faith in God regardless the circumstantial chaos and discomfort. You cannot define yourself by just a label but looking deeper into God's word and his commandment and following through his commandment and learning to surrender whole heartily.
This is sad circumstance my family is dysfunction, even more so, my aunts family is much more, looking from the glass outside, they might presume this all time christian family, but when you look deeper, it is filthy black with hatred, malice, and blaspheming. It is their deepest desire to get quick and rich verse listening and doing as God tell us to do. Yet they use the God's given gift to gain those deepest desire. From all this, my parents come to top I would have to say, despite all the abuse and criticism they receive from the society due to my aunt's family action, they come daily and lean onto God for his calling and his guidance through this chaos. They blame no one and they let God take control, despite that the dispute that has been going for past 3 years. They learn to let things be release from their heart and hand, and God to take control of it all, because at the end, their spirit cannot be diminished by the words that has spoiled around the community because they have God on their side and they look forward to listening and see what his miracle can overcome.
I need to let spirit take control, and let the spirit rescue me from the lost and guide me. Surrender to God in all has been a challenge, but in so many scriptures it is said, surrender all to God and he will bring peace within. If I want peace in my heart which will help me lead to fulfilling God's teaching than I need to look at my direct examples (parents) and participate in the blessing with them.
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