GOVERNMENT
BULDING BLOCK
Revelation
20:12: “And I saw the dead, great and
small, standing before the throne, and the books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of
life. The dead were judged according to
what they had done as recorded in the books.”
The reader may wonder what the title
has to do with the opening Scripture.
When we think of government, we can whittle national rule down to state,
county, and then city control. Finally, the
smallest—yet most numerous government building block—is people. You and I are responsible for governing
ourselves.
Self-government means
self-control. We’re no longer little
kids who whine, kick and scream to get our own way. Yet, don’t we want to do that sometimes? I’m drifting off-track. Focus,
writer! Defend your manuscript!
That’s self-control.
Self-control governs one’s attitude,
speech and actions. Governing ourselves
properly (according to God’s rules) is the foundation of personal freedom to
live how God originally created us to be.
Also, people are the building block upon which every form of government
rests. Those who cannot govern
themselves correctly surely cannot govern others.
The bonus for living within God’s
rules also frees people from sin bondage. …Just saying.
God’s ultimate goal is for people to
govern themselves under Christ’s rule.
Jesus tucked His gospel “Your kingdom come” inside the prayer He taught. The reality of Christ’s rule is growing
closer every day. What Joy Believers experience
when praying altogether God’s prayer in His house!
Meanwhile, the opening Scripture
beckons us. Romans 14:11-12 says, “It is
written: ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before Me;
every tongue will confess to God [Jesus is Lord].’ So then, each of us will give account of
himself to God.”
You will stand alone before
God!
Your mom, dad, friend or pastor
won’t have your back. They have their
own cases to plead before God. How will
you account for how you’re governing your life?
Take Home Nugget
Galatians
5:22-23a says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Whoever believes in Christ are designated “Believers”
in these devotions. Believers are God’s
kids. Believers have the Holy Spirit
living within. Believers who choose to
follow Jesus hand Him reign over our lives.
Believers cooperate with God’s Spirit to transform hearts into
Christlikeness. Believers develop self-control.
Let’s close with Romans 8:1-2: “Therefore, there is no condemnation for
those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the
Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.”
Holy Father, empower me to
live by Your Spirit Who controls my speech, thoughts and actions. To You be the glory! Amen.
Adapted from “Self-Government.” Dr. Tony Evans.
December 31, 2015. http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/alternative-view/
J.D. Griffith
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