2Corinthians 5:16-17 (Amplified) tells us, "Consequently, from now sayson we estimate and regard no one from a (purely) human point of view (in terms of natural standards of value) (No) even though we once did estimate Christ from a human viewpoint and as a Man, yet now (we have such knowledge of Him that) we know Him no longer (in terms of the flesh). Therefore if any person is (ingrafted) in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old (previous moral and spiritual condition) has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come."
For much of the Church's history, the thing keeping us from functioning like God intended, has been discrimination. We continue to see one another after the flesh, more than the spirit. We have black churches, white churches, Hispanic churches, Korean churches and a church for every nationality. We've yet to see one another after the spirit, instead of the flesh. Even in the twenty-first century, women are still seen this way in the church, too.
Peter commented on this in 1Peter 3:7-8 (Amplified) saying, 'In the same way you married men should live considerately with (your wives), with an intelligent recognition (of the marriage relation), honoring the woman as (physically) the weaker, but realizing that you are joint heirs of the grace of (God's unmerited favor) of life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered and cut off (otherwise you cannot pray effectively)." In other words, Peter is saying that if you believe women are beneath you and you're somehow superior to your wife, then the best you can agree on is the "value" you place on her worth. This is not a prayer of agreement, according to Jesus, Who says in Matthew 18:19 (Amplified) saying, "Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever (anything and everything) they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven."
The husband and wife should be "one flesh" and more "in symphony" together, than anyone else on earth. They must see one another "after the spirit." Galatians 3:27-29 (Amplified) says, "For as many (of you) as were baptized into Christ (into a spiritual union and communion with Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah) have put on (clothed yourselves with) Christ. There is (now no distinction) neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
I understand that we do have differences in our "outer man." We are boys and girls, varying colors and races, but this isn't what we're talking about here. I'm saying the same thing Paul said in 2Corinthians 5:1. We need to stop allowing our outer difference to determine who we really are. 2Corinthians 5:1 (Amplified) said, "For we know that if this tent (body) which is our earthly home is destroyed (dissolved) we have (from God a building, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens)."
Our flesh and blood bodies are not more than a "house" that our spirit, as well as God's Spirit, resides in while we're on earth. What difference should it make what color my house is painted? If I visit a friend or relative, then I don't go to see his house, but to see him. I don't care whether his house is white, green, blue or yellow, or it he paints it at all. I came to see him and not his house. When I fellowship with my family in Christ, I don't care what color his house is, because I came to see him and not his house.
Satan has used this division of color to keep the world and the Church separated for over two thousand years. We've much to learn from one another, if we will only walk in the new creation. Philippians 3:13-15 (Amplified) says, "I do not consider; brethren, that I have captured and made it my own (yet); but one thing I do (it is my one aspiration); forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the (supreme and heavenly) prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward. So let those (of us) who are spiritually mature and full grown have this mind and hold these convictions, and if in any respect you have a different attitude of mind, God will make that clear to you also."
1John 3:1-2 (Amplified) tells us, "See what (an incredible) quality of love the Father has given (shown, bestowed on) us, that we should (be permitted to) e named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are! The reason that the world does not know (recognize, acknowledge) us is that it does not know (recognize, acknowledge) Him. Beloved, we are (even here and) now God's children; it is not yet disclosed (made clear) what we shall be (hereafter), but we know that when He comes and is manifested, we shall (as God's children) resemble and be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He (really) is."
What color do you suppose God's House is? Is the glory of God's House white, black, yellow or brown? Do you suppose that we, the Temple of God, will simply see ourselves like God sees us now, as the perfect light of glory? 1John 3:14 (Amplified) says, "We know that we have passed over out of death into life (from flesh to your spirit) by the fact that we love the brethren (our fellow Christians) He who does not love abides (remains in, is held and kept continually) in (spiritual) death."
As God's new creation family, we're called to walk in the spirit and not the flesh. We are to see one another "after the spirit and no longer after the flesh." When we continue walking in the prejudice of the flesh, we're not only still very carnal, but we are actually walking in spiritual darkness, like the world is. John said in 1John 3:1 (Amplified) that the "reason the world does not know and recognize us, is that it does not know and recognize Him," because we're supposed to do like Jesus sent and commanded us to do in John 15:12,17 (Amplified) saying, "This is My commandment; that you love one another (just) as I have loved you." He continues in Verse 17, "This is what I command you' that you love one another."
We try demonstrating our love more to the world, than we do towards one another in the Church. We will give money, food, shelter and mercy to the world (which is good), but then we divide ourselves b y race, color, denomination or even by financial status. The world might be crazy, but they're not stupid. They see the division in our ranks and the enemy has used this schism in the Body of Christ, to tell the world that the Church is full of hypocrites.
It's time we stopped the foolishness and get on with the works the Church was commanded to do.
No comments:
Post a Comment