Time is irreversible and there is nothing valuable enough to buy it. Each individual is given the same amount of time. And depending on how each uses the time, its value varies. Wise believers redeem their time and use it wisely in order that they can give glory to God whether they eat or drink, or whatever they do. They diligently adorn themselves as the brides of the Lord and run towards New Jerusalem.
Now, let's delve into how we can become wise believers who redeem the time and make the most of opportunity.
First of all, you have to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 5:18 reads, "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit." Here, 'wine' does not just refer to drinks with alcohol but also symbolizes all things against the truth coming from the sin-and-evil-filled world. And 'dissipation' is not the proper act for God's children, so they must not get drunk with wine. Instead, they should be full of 'new wine', which means being full of the Holy Spirit.
The enemy devil and Satan try to tempt believers to death so they prowl around like roaring lions seeking someone to devour. Thus, we must stay full of the Holy Spirit and keep God's grace and strength. Only then can we not be tempted and overcome everything in the Lord.
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God who helps us (Romans 8:26). Unless we are filled with the Spirit, we may lose grace and fall into tiredness and weakness. Moreover, we may lose joy and thanks and become distressed and lazy. But if we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we can boldly overcome the world and become outstanding people in everything.
Then what are the ways to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit?
Above all, we should unceasingly offer up fervent prayer.
We can liken the Holy Spirit to 'oil' and prayer to 'the act of filling the lamp of our soul with oil.' Although you received the Holy Spirit, if you cease to pray, you are like a lamp without oil. Then, you may not overcome trials and temptations, and just you may compromise with the world and fall into sins. It may lead you far away from salvation (Colossians 4:2; 1 Peter 4:7; Matthew 26:41).
Also we should praise God with all our heart, mind, and soul to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Then we can live happily in the Lord without being stained with the world (Colossians 3:16).
Secondly, you should try to assemble together in the Lord.
The Early Church members continued to meet daily in the temple. They went from house to house to break bread together and take their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart (Acts 2:46). As we see the day of the Lord's second coming draw nearer, we should assemble together all the more (Hebrews 10:25).
The purpose of believers gathering in the Lord is not to eat together, enjoy themselves, and have fellowship. They meet together to pray, lead souls to salvation, bring about revival, and receive strength to resemble the Lord.
Ephesians 5:19-20 reads, "Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father." A gathering in the Lord is where believers praise God and speak to one another in the truth.
When we meet together this way, we can strengthen believers who have weak faith and encourage and comfort those who lack strength. By stimulating one another to love and good deeds, we can reach eternal life together in the end. Since it pleases God, He will fill all of us with grace and truth and we can experience great works of the Holy Spirit.
But some believers just regard it meaningful to gather together and neglect its real purpose which is to lead people to salvation and plant faith in them. Thus we should organize all meetings according to the original purpose and keep checking if the meetings produce life, fill people with the Holy Spirit, and lead to revival.
2 Timothy 2:22 says, "Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." We should continue to gather in the Lord, but should try to please God through the gathering.
Lastly, you have to be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
People may think that they do not like to be subject to others because their pride may hurt. But to be subject to one another in the fear of Christ is a very wise act, and those who obey this will receive blessings.
What is it to be subject to one another in the fear of Christ?
It is to cast off all your personal things that are against the truth of the Word of God and to obey the Word completely. Only when you demolish your pride, arrogance, self-centered thoughts and speculations can you serve even lesser men with heart and with self-sacrifice for others. Also, only when we throw away the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life; and jealousy, strife, and falsehood that are from the world, can we pursue peace with all men, and achieve sanctification.
If you put on the new self in righteousness and holiness of the truth and obey God's Word, He will lift you up high and show His love for you. Deuteronomy chapter 28 implies that the key to receiving blessings is set in obeying the Word of God with saying "Yes!" and "Amen".
Abraham obeyed God in reverence for Him, so he even obeyed when God told him to offer his only son as a burnt offering. He prospered wherever he went and was blessed to be called 'the friend of God' and recognized as the father of faith.
Daniel never ceased to pray although it caused him to be thrown into the den of lions. God gave him knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom. Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams. He was finally blessed to become the High Commissioner of a great empire.
In other words, when we take delight in the law of God, meditate on it day and night, and obey it, God will go before us, provide for us, and bless us to prosper in everything (Psalm 119:165).
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