Collinsville-Troy CHURCH OF CHRIST

Feeling Good About Yourself

Glen Elliott

There is nothing inherently sinful about having a good self-image. Self-centeredness is wrong; but there is a great difference between selfishness and good self-esteem. God wants us to feel good about ourselves. In fact, He sent His Son so that we might enjoy a "full and abundant life" (Jn. 10:10). God does not rejoice when our feet get kicked out from under us and we find ourselves flat on our faces, bruised and battered by life's setbacks. To the contrary, God hurts when we hurt. Jesus is a high priest who can "sympathize with our weaknesses" because He "has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin" (Heb. 4:15).

Because God wants us to be happy and feel good about ourselves, He has given us His word as a guide to joyous living. The "dos and don'ts" of the Bible are not given to inflict pain, but joy. Even the Law of Moses was given for the good of the people. Moses asked this very telling question: "Now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the Lord's commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today for your good?" (Dt. 10:12-13).

Every parent knows what "for Your good" means. As children, we tried to bend the rules a little only to discover later that the rules had been given "for our good." Likewise, we can be sure that every command of God is for our good and for our ultimate happiness. God's word provides us with a sense of security and well-being because our Father cares enough to set boundaries. When we follow His teaching, we feel good. We were created in His image and He loves us so much that He gave His only Son so that we might live forever in His presence. This sense of His abiding love frees us from self-hate and stirs within us a love for God and others (1 Jn. 4:19).

-- Glen Elliott preaches for the Greenbrier church of Christ in Greenbrier, AR.
-Article obtained from bulletingold.com

Paul and Luke Go Sailing

Jason Wright

Paul was known for his Spirit inspired letters written to Christians throughout the New Testament that continue to motivate even to this day. He preached Jesus and Him crucified and would ultimately give his life in service to the King of Kings. There is one message that Paul could have kept to himself, but did not. It was certainly a message of hope and in a sense salvation that had nothing to do with baptism into Christ.

In Acts 27, Paul's voyage to Rome begins. Luke is with him as well as Aristarchus from Thessalonica. Paul had found favor with the centurion in charge named Julius. He allowed Paul to receive care from his friends as well as companionship on the long trip to Italy. Strong winds and winter weather made travel this time of year very dangerous. Paul knew all about shipwrecks and wanted to avoid another one. The wind was so tempestuous it had a name-Euroclydon (a storm from the East). Paul warns, Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also our lives.

The conditions were dreary; no sunshine, no stars, constant beating of the waves and severe winds. They threw the ship's tackle over board; the skiff overboard, and the wheat as well. They were certainly doing all they could to survive. All hope was lost. Or was it?

Paul was used to sharing a message of hope and peace in Christ. In this instance, the situation looked like certain physical death. Do not be afraid Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed, God has granted you all those who sail with you (verse 24). Paul must be hearing and seeing things. Afterall, he hasn't eaten in 14 days. The constant movement of the ship finally went to his head. Certainly not!

One of God's angels delivered a message of hope and physical salvation. Paul could have kept this to himself, but shared the good news. Then he proclaimed to the others, I believe God that it will be just as it was told to me. How does it all end? Just as God said. Paul was not harmed; none of the 276 on board were hurt; only the ship was lost.

We could certainly make application about the storms of life and getting thru trials with the help of God and all of those would be appropriate. But what about the message?

Paul declared do what God said and you shall live. Paul said there is hope and salvation in obeying God's instructions. Paul said the things of this life will perish, but you don't have to. Sound familiar?

How sad it would have been if Paul kept this message to himself either in the ship or in his Christian walk. That would have been the tragedy. What about you and me? Do we have a message of hope that can save man from spiritual death? Don't we have a message that brings hope and peace and joy to a dark world? Of course we do. It's called the Gospel. Go ye and share it today!!