Success or Destruction

A popular song among little children is the “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man.” I can remember singing that song as a little child and now to see my own children singing it is such a blessing. In a familiar parable in Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus tells about two men that built their houses on two separate foundations. The wise man built his on a solid foundation (rock) and the foolish man on the weak foundation (sand). Allow me to point out some comparisons from this simple parable.

First, consider the similarities of these two men: they were both building a house. I hope you can point out in your life that you have built or are currently building. Our pastor recently challenged the staff in this very area. We are meant to build things. It is the natural desire inside all of us to build something whether it is a career, business, church, Sunday school class, bus route, relationship, etc. Another similarity I find is they both went through a storm. People erroneously think because they are saved and living for God that they are somehow exempt from the storms of life. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5, “he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” Living for God does not exempt us from problems, but it does ensure the help of God when the trials do come. Lastly, they both heard the preaching. Jesus tells us that both men heard “these sayings of mine.” They both knew what they should do. The wise man didn’t have an advantage over the foolish man. They both heard the same preaching and teaching.

What was the main difference between these two men? What was the difference between great success and complete destruction? One word—OBEDIENCE. Everything else was similar about these men except this area. After both men heard the preaching, Jesus said the wise man “doeth them” and the foolish man “doeth them not.” The wise man obeyed the preaching and the foolish man disregarded the preaching. The wise man followed the Word of God and the foolish man followed his own understanding. Success in the Christian life isn’t based on ability, talent, personality, pedigree or experience. It is based upon whether or not we obey the Word of God. I’m sure the foolish man was talented and liked, but he didn’t follow the leading of God in his life.

The main difference between those that succeed in the Christian life and those that don’t is inevitably one word—OBEDIENCE. Even though the children’s song is quite old and well known, it still carries a great truth

Eight Ways to Make the Most of Christmas (Paul Chappell)

Christmastime may be the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also pass in a flurry of frenzied activity, with no time to enjoy the significance of the season.

1. Die to self. Let your personal expectations go. Mortify your fleshly tendencies. And surrender yourself anew to serve the Lord this season.

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.—Romans 6:11–13

2. Seek the filling of the Holy Spirit. Do you want the peace, love, and joy that is supposed to come with Christmas? Remember, it is a fruit of the Spirit. Yield yourself to Him, and His fruit will fill your Christmas.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.—Galatians 5:22-23

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;—Ephesians 5:18

3. Serve others. Christmas so easily becomes all about us. It’s not—it’s about worshipping Christ and serving others in His stead. He came to minister, not to be ministered unto. If you want to infuse joy into your Christmas season, look for people to serve! And if you want to be sure you do it, add service opportunities to your calendar!

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.—Philippians 2:4–8

4. Witness everywhere you go. December very well may be the busiest month of the year. If we’re not careful, we’ll let the extra events and activities crowd out our witness. In reality, Christmastime is one of the best times for witnessing. Wherever you go this month—shopping, extended family gatherings, etc.—look for opportunities to share the gospel.

Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.—Acts 8:4

5. Express gratitude and love. Create family memories; thank those whom you serve alongside. Resist the tendency to get so caught up in the bustle that you forget the people!

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,—Philippians 1:3

6. Remember those with special burdens. There are people around you—in your church, down your street, in your family—who carry special burdens. Often, Christmastime increases these burdens. Unemployed parents, single moms, bereaved spouses—all of these could use your encouragement and support. Reach out to them, perhaps even monetarily.

Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.—Galatians 6:2

7. Enjoy Christian fellowship. Host (or attend) a Christmas party for your Sunday school class or small group. Participate in your church’s special Christmas services or events. Don’t neglect your family (especially unsaved extended family) during Christmas, but do relish the opportunities to have Christ-centered fellowship with Christians.

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;—Romans 12:10

8. Finalize December projects. Clean your work area. Grade tests. File papers. Wrap up pending projects. In short, unclutter your life. Don’t go into the New Year dragging almost-finished projects.

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.—Ephesians 5:16

I hope these eight tips are helpful to you in making the most of celebrating our Saviour’s birth. Merry Christmas!