God's Direction

People who have received Christ as personal Savior need to build their life on godly principles. To build a life that is godly, one must carefully follow biblical guidelines. God wants the best for each person, so He has made sure that specific instruction is provided to help people live a life that is pleasing to Him. The following bible verses suggest God’s direction for godly living.

Scripture says ⁹“For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.  ¹⁰By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds.  ¹²For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.  ¹²If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, ¹³his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. ¹⁴ If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward.” (1 Corinthians 3:9-14). Godly living involves:

1)  Collaboration with God.  God calls us to work together with Him. Without God’s divine help we cannot live the way He wants us to live. That is why we are called “God’s fellow workers” (1 Corinthians 3:9). We cooperate together with God to develop and maintain godly living.

2)    Establishing a Firm Foundation.  A firm base is necessary for constructing a building that is solid and stable. For an individual the only foundation that is completely stable is that “which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11). When we build on Christ, we have an unmovable foundation.

3)    Being careful in How the work is done.  Some people approach life haphazardly, while others spend time making precise plans for living. The scriptural instruction is “be careful how we build” (1 Corinthians 3:10). To be cautious takes much godly wisdom.

4)    Using Quality Materials.  “You get what you pay for” is a saying that applies to a godly life because “the fire will test the quality” (1 Corinthians 3:13). People easily recognize when the highest value is used to build one's life.

5)    Obtaining Results that have Enduring Worth.  A godly life that is built well will stand the test of time. That life will stand secure and continue to make a difference for the cause of Christ by experiencing lasting results. It can then be said, “What he has built survives” (1 Corinthians 3:14).

Will the things that you do to build your life reap benefits for Christ and His kingdom? Will God look at you one day and say, “Well done good and faithful servant?” Let us make sure we are following God’s direction for godly living.

Learning at Camp

In Minnesota, every weekend during the summer hundreds of people head “up North.”  This grand exodus suggests the desire of people to get away from the routine of everyday life and enjoy some down time.  Some head to a summer cabin and others simply spend the weekend relaxing at the lake.  Included in this exodus are children and youth who head to camp – some who find their way to Bible Camp.  Over the years, Christian camping has been a tradition for many people.  This “get away” time is fun filled, challenging, and a great learning experience.  Though camping experiences individuals learn:

1)    To take responsibility.  Since Mom and Dad are not around to give direction, campers need to make many decisions on their own – like brushing teeth, changing clothes, and putting things away.  In addition, each camper is assigned a cabin and usually dining room responsibilities.

2)   To become independent.  For some, this may be the first time away from home with the opportunity to exercise their freedom of choice.

3)   To cooperate.  With scores of other people around, campers need to work together to experience unity and accomplish goals.

4)  To submit to authority.  Camp rules and regulations must be followed along with the direction that comes from camp directors, counselors, and other camp staff.

5)  To trust the Lord.  For some, the camping experience can be a lonely time.  It is in these settings that campers begin to learn the importance of leaning on the Lord for support and encouragement.

6)  To understand more about God.  Campers learn about:

a)  God’s Love. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

b)    God’s Way.  Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

c)     God’s Worthiness.  Jesus is worthy in whom faith should be placed. “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.” (Psalm 145:3).

d)    God’s Guidance.  “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; it all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

As our grandchildren, great-grandchildren, or other children head to Bible camp this summer, let’s use this time to pray for them.  Ask God to make this a life-changing experience for them.  Pray that they would come to trust in Jesus and come to know Him as their personal Savior and Lord.  As you pray this for your offspring, why not pray for yourself as well?