And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. ~ Romans 4:21
Years ago, I took a lay theology class. The theologian, who taught the class was fond of saying, “The devil is not creative. He takes what God has given us [to use] for good and finds a way to corrupt it… which leads to sin”. For example; eating is good, but gluttony (Deuteronomy 21:20) is a sin. Love is good, but narcissism (2 Timothy 3:1-9) is not.
Christians don’t have the authority to lift, their earthly good… above their Heavenly Father’s good. We err in the notion of “the greater good” when we do so. For example, when we support moral misconduct, in favor of subscribing to a self-defined, self-serving, “greater good” …we have been deceived. God is not mocked (Galatians 6:7). Christians need not seek, a better advantage or outcome by harming something or someone who is considered less important (Philippians 2:4). The secular gain in the end… doesn’t always justify the means, because the end is not of this world. Scripture affirms that there is an eternity (Romans 14:12).
This world is full of complexities, deceptions, and challenges. Making the best decision, as the right decision isn’t always easy. Since, what looks bad now, may not be bad in the long-term and what looks good now, may not be good in the long-term. That is why we need the wisdom of God, the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit every day.
Our perspectives become clear when we embrace the teachings found in Matthew 22:36-40. We remember the promises of God. We stay in constant communication with Him through prayer. And, we always strive to make decisions that lead to the greater good for all.
God Bless… I am Wiley’s granddaughter.
The following is a song from bob Dylan. The question is do we choose who we serve or is it out of our control? Your words are both soothing and inspirational.
Thanks
You may be an ambassador to England or France
You may like to gamble, you might like to dance
You may be the heavyweight champion of the world
You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes
Indeed you’re gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody
You might be a rock ‘n’ roll addict prancing on the stage
You might have drugs at your command, women in a cage
You may be a business man or
Some high-degree thief,
They may call you doctor or they may call you chief
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes
Indeed you’re gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody
You may be a state trooper, you might be a young Turk
You may be the head of some big TV network
You may be rich or poor
You may be blind or lame
You may be living in another country under another name
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes
Indeed you’re gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody
You may be a construction worker working on a home
You may be living in a mansion or you might live in a dome
You might own guns and you might even own tanks
You might be somebody’s landlord
You might even own banks
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes
Indeed you’re gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody
You may be a preacher with your spiritual pride
You may be a city councilman taking bribes on the side
You may be workin’ in a barbershop, you may know how to cut hair
You may be somebody’s mistress, may be somebody’s heir
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes
Indeed you’re gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody
Might like to wear cotton, might like to wear silk
Might like to drink whiskey, might like to drink milk
You might like to eat caviar, you might like to eat bread
You may be sleeping on the floor, sleeping in a king-sized bed
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes
Indeed you’re gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody
You may call me Terry, you may call me Timmy
You may call me Bobby, you may call me Zimmy
You may call me R.J., you may call me Ray
You may call me anything but no matter what you say
You’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes
Indeed you’re gonna have to serve somebody
Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord
But you’re gonna have to serve somebody
Songwriters: BOB DYLAN
© BOB DYLAN MUSIC OBO SPECIAL RIDER MUSIC