Reasons We Follow Jesus: God can guide us in this life.

A few weeks ago, my wife and I got into our car and pulled out of the driveway, going down the hill.  I looked over at Tammy, and, as she looked at her phone, she commented, “Siri, find (the address we were given for an event).  Siri said something in her pleasant, annoying, computer-generated voice and gave us directions in a timely fashion for the next hour or so.  On our way, I got confused in one of the new Round-a-bouts in K.C., and Siri, without insulting me at all, re-directed us immediately.  Even though we had to go through an unfamiliar area to get back ‘on track,’ Siri got us to our destination just a few minutes later than planned. Going home, we did the same thing, and, again, after missing a turn, Siri re-directed us, getting us home without any trouble at all.

 

I love that woman! (Siri, that is – even though I love my wife, too).  We, like you, have repeated this process dozens of times in the past few years, and “Siri” has allowed us to go all over the place without even thinking about it.  Amazing!

 

Don’t you wish we had something like Siri to guide us in the course of our lives? You know, to give us direction in difficult decisions, guide us when we get lost or make mistakes, and ultimately get us where we want to go and live as we want to live?  

 

We do!  We who claim Jesus as our Savior and place our faith in his leadership in our lives live with the privilege of guidance from God himself!  The direction God gives does not come from any computer-generated personality, though. The ways of faith come as we allow the living God to speak and guide us as we read His Word, follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and learn from others in The Church.  There are many passages that speak of how God provides us a ‘way’ to live.  One such passage is Hebrews 13. Here is a short passage:  “Let love of the brethren continue.  Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers. . . Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the  marriage bed be undefiled. . .; and, finally, “Let your character be free from the love of money.”  

 

In one passage, we are taught that God guides us in many situations:

• Love people all the time, no matter what.
• Be kind and hospitable to all you encounter, especially those from another land.
• Make sure you keep your money and possessions in their proper place in your life.

 

Without too much effort, you can clearly see God’s ways for you!  To live this way is more than God just teaching us a sense of obedience to him; instead, our obedience becomes a way that God can use to bless us!

            

Here is a simple example of how living according to the way of Jesus can allow God to bless you:  A person has a good job and makes a solid wage.  Great!  Suppose he handles that salary according to the ways of Jesus. In that case, he will save a portion, give away a portion, provide for his and his family’s needs, and even have enough to help others.  If he avoids debt, his dollars will go further, and if he can control his spending and live within his means, his ‘nest egg’ can grow and lead to greater security.  In this example, God’s blessings aren’t a result of God doing something special – God’s blessings are simply the natural result of living according to God’s ways!  Suppose the same individual disobeys God by carelessly spending too much on a vehicle or vacation. In that case, God cannot bless those actions.  The man will have financial problems and struggle in that area of his life.  Blessings come to one who lives according to the ways of God!

            

Let me encourage you to follow Jesus and live according to God’s ways.  Your life will become more stable, and God’s blessings will come your way.

 

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