The Great Exchange: Epilogue
After prayer and a certain amount of trepidation, I fulfilled my responsibility to confront an employee regarding his negative bullying language toward another employee. I explained to him that that type of language sabotages the team spirit and respect that we require in the workplace, and that I really respected his philosophy in life which is based on valuing human dignity, and that this attitude and language did not seem to match the values I admire in him. He stated to me that when he speaks that way he is being influenced by other people who speak that way, and he said that he considers it a ‘moral lapse.’ This was encouraging. I am not sure if he will be able to adjust the attitudes and behaviors that need adjustment, but this was encouraging.
I feel sad when I witness the disrespect that people have for one another. It comes from a basic disrespect and insecurity that only God and Christ can ultimately fill. Observing these attitudes weighs heavily on my heart.
Yet, we can have a limited influence on the people in our lives, and that is a great privilege.
I can’t wait till they experience the blessing of Christ and the healing of heart that will bring.
#222 The Great Exchange: Epilogue Isaiah 45.14
“Thus says the LORD, the products of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush and the Sabeans, men of stature, will come over to you and will be yours; they will walk behind you, they will come over in chains and will bow down to you; they will make supplication to you;: Surely, God is with you, and there is none else, No other God.’” Isaiah 45:14
While still in bondage to sin, the nations who were at odds with Israel, nations that God used for Israel’s deliverance (Isaiah 45:3-4), will come to Israel for help, to receive the blessing of God.
This principle applies to us also. The very conflicts and people who have considered us as enemies will rejoice in the blessings that we will have the privilege of lavishing upon them! While still in bondage to the habits of sin these people will come to us longing for blessing and relationship to God and Christ. I picture what it will be like for our millwright, an extremely impatient and aggressive man who refers to people who frustrate him with demeaning expletives, what it will be like for him to accept Christ in the Kingdom…
“For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:17
The answer is: They will not be part of the Church class.
“And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner?” 2 Peter 4:18
The answer is: They will not be part of the heavenly class, but will be resurrected on earth “in the day of visitation” when their eyes will be opened to receive Christ and his truth.
“Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.” 1 Peter 2:12
The desire of all nations shall come, and the desire of his heart will be satisfied! Multiply that by billions. Then add the fact that we get to bring the blessing. This is math at its best!
Amen and amen.
“Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.” 1 Peter 4:19
I feel sad when I witness the disrespect that people have for one another. It comes from a basic disrespect and insecurity that only God and Christ can ultimately fill. Observing these attitudes weighs heavily on my heart.
Yet, we can have a limited influence on the people in our lives, and that is a great privilege.
I can’t wait till they experience the blessing of Christ and the healing of heart that will bring.
#222 The Great Exchange: Epilogue Isaiah 45.14
“Thus says the LORD, the products of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush and the Sabeans, men of stature, will come over to you and will be yours; they will walk behind you, they will come over in chains and will bow down to you; they will make supplication to you;: Surely, God is with you, and there is none else, No other God.’” Isaiah 45:14
While still in bondage to sin, the nations who were at odds with Israel, nations that God used for Israel’s deliverance (Isaiah 45:3-4), will come to Israel for help, to receive the blessing of God.
This principle applies to us also. The very conflicts and people who have considered us as enemies will rejoice in the blessings that we will have the privilege of lavishing upon them! While still in bondage to the habits of sin these people will come to us longing for blessing and relationship to God and Christ. I picture what it will be like for our millwright, an extremely impatient and aggressive man who refers to people who frustrate him with demeaning expletives, what it will be like for him to accept Christ in the Kingdom…
“For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:17
The answer is: They will not be part of the Church class.
“And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner?” 2 Peter 4:18
The answer is: They will not be part of the heavenly class, but will be resurrected on earth “in the day of visitation” when their eyes will be opened to receive Christ and his truth.
“Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may on account of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.” 1 Peter 2:12
The desire of all nations shall come, and the desire of his heart will be satisfied! Multiply that by billions. Then add the fact that we get to bring the blessing. This is math at its best!
Amen and amen.
“Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.” 1 Peter 4:19
