The words we chose 10 years ago for our book of journal entries, were words from 1Tim. 6:3, "Anyone who teaches something different disagrees with the correct and Godly teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ." So, it was apparent to try to sort out what is the correct and Godly teaching of our Lord. Luke 10:27 teaches Jesus' words, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and your neighbor as yourself." And it seems to me that those words captivate Christ's message in a nut shell.
"Paul's rules to Timothy and others are not necessarily Jesus' rules. Paul believed that he knew what Jesus' taught, and he did for the most part. But having his Pharisee's background, he also gave a few rules of his own to the later churches. They may at one time have been very good to follow and at least must be considered today. But, ultimately, we are to follow the life and words of Christ Jesus and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Most of the arguments in the church over the years have been a result of some of Paul's words. Again, consider and follow--Jesus.
"God, I pray that my attitude and opinions are not one of pride, arrogance, or being stubborn. Guide my thinking as you do my being and my doing. Amen."
Paul is one of my heroes. Though I admire and respect, and even love him, the words and acts of Jesus are the ones that warm me and challenge me. When I worry or get angry, both a problem for me, I try to remember Jesus, and the love for all that he lived and died for. I try to remember, always, to whisper His name, trusting He will be there, as soon as I let Him in. It is not an easy thing to give up my fight to Him, as my personhood wants to fight to show I am right. But, being right to be "not wrong", is not the kind of "rightness" I truly want to show.
I pray for you, dear reader. God shows me to pray for you, and love you to pieces!
Jo INMN
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