Bible Thoughts October 15, 2000
"Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the
time"(Colossians 4:5).
The expression, "redeeeming the time," literally means, in the original language, "buying up the opportunity." Paul is teaching the brethren that Christians so walk that others may see the wisdom of the life lived by a disciple. Each time one sees the righteousness of a follower of Christ, the Christian is "buying up the opportunity" to lead one into the way of Jesus Christ.
Whatever may be one's status or aims in life, there are constant opportunities to influence others in the ways of righteousness. Honesty and integrity are seen by those with whom Christians have contact. Each step that one takes in the way of a disciple of Christ is a purchased opportunity for others to observe what it is like to live the life that God expects of each of us and all of mankind.
A disciple can buy up the "opportunities" by setting an example within one's everyday activities. Whether at work or at play, others will be watching how a Christian acts and reacts. Be assured that your fellow-workers are noting the speech and behavior of one who claims to follow the Lord. A great impact can be made by living as God expects each of us to live.
By walking "in wisdom" in one's neighborhood, a positive influence in regard to attitudes and behavior will be noted. They will observe whether the Christian sets an example of righteousness, whether they meet their responsibilities to the Lord, how they treat their family, as well as the attitude that disciples display toward their neighbors.
Opportunities to influence others in the ways of the Lord are boundless. They occur not only in those areas mentioned, but exist in every phase of life. Whether one is at home, at school, at work, at play, at ease, or any other place or situation, the opportunity to influence others through proper conduct is always present. Never miss "buying up the opportunity."
“In the beginning God created...," but why? We know who created us, but why did He do it? Do we have a purpose? Is there a reason for our existence? These questions and many more have plagued mankind since nearly the dawn of time. With the myriad of varied theories that are present in our day, how is a person to determine the truth? At first glance it might appear as if there are no definitive answers whatsoever and that Stoic philosophers of old come closest to having the best grasp on life and its intended purpose in their thoughts that one should live for oneself. With a little reading from the divinely-inspired book of answers, however, one can defy the world and obtain factual resolutions to all of these age-old questions.
Why did God create creation? In Genesis 1-2 we have recorded for us the divinely inspired account of creation. Through this we see how all of the earth began and specifically how man was given authority to have dominion over it, using it for his livelihood. In Ephesians 1:4-5 Paul reveals God’s motivation in this powerful act. He tells us that it was out of God’s abundant love that He created us as His children. We know this love more intimately as we see it later evidenced in the sacrifice of His Son on our behalf (John 3:16).
So then, what is man’s eternal purpose? After his life-long quest Solomon aptly discovered, “the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” From the beginning God has provided for the needs of His children. In turn, He has hoped for a spiritual relationship to flourish. Our divinely-given charge is to follow God and to have a right and personal relationship with Him. When we practice this in it’s essence, we will find the true spiritual existence and answers that philosophers and people for ages have been searching for.-Joe Cook
God has a garden, he has provided the land, he has sown the seed. Like a farmer when he has land he expects it to produce a profit, and if it doesn’t he gets rid of it. God has sown the seeds and expects to receive a crop off them.
A garden starts off as a piece of land, full of weeds. The gardener has to work the soil and pull out the weeds, he adds nutrients and then waters the seeds. But his workb does not stop there. When the plant grows, he makes sure that there are no weeds to choke them and that they have food to live off.
In the garden there are many different types of plants each with different needs and it is the gardener's job to know what those needs are. A gardener is a gardens best friend, without him the garden would be of no use.
This world is the garden of God, and we as saints are its gardeners. And in this garden the soil is poor, the weeds are plentiful. God has scattered the seeds, and we have the job of looking after, caring for them.
Now this might sound as a big, difficult task, and it would be impossible to accomplish if it were not for Gods help. He has given us the land to work with, and he has given the seeds but he also gave us the tools to work with. The Bible that contains all the knowledge that we need to look after the garden. The garden has been left in our care, and it is our job to go out there and care for it. God has planted the seeds and he expects a crop to come from it.-Vaughn Botha