Published by The Christian Discipline involves being nice to the “nth” degree and forgiving your transgressors even more. Oftentimes, it involves being put in a position where kindness is easily mistaken for weakness, of being open for scorn and ridicule, and not just where God is concerned. It is a position that often seems to require a lot of explanation for ones actions or lack thereof, where etiquette and manners are of the utmost importance. Generosity and charity are required until you have nothing left to give, and then you will get more to give away and give it away you must.
For the Christian, everything belongs to God and there is nothing whatsoever they can do to deserve and/or earn what is given. They are required to respect and honor their parents and are to be honest people with integrity about their beliefs and dealings with other people, whether Christian or not. They take responsibility upon themselves for whatever is put within their capabilities. They entertain strangers for fear that God may have sent an angel to them to test their hospitality and kindness. They must tell friends that they will not listen to them speak ill of another friend, simply because they are not there. (I always let my friends know I would do the same for them too.)
They must be the last to strike, not the first. They must not incite or provoke someones anger or hatred. They understand that they have no need to fear “big brother” for their “big Daddy” is always watching too. Lying is not permitted, but keeping ones mouth shut sometimes isn’t permitted either. We are as responsible for our lack of action when it is required as we are of acting sinfully. But here is the key; the actions or lack of, are the aftermath of the heart and mind. Christians must be right inside first. According to the bible, if a man lust in his heart, he has committed the act already. Why? Because that’s who he is in his heart. Who we are is in our hearts and our hearts, (and minds to some degree), is what ultimately causes our actions. We have to get it right beforeit originates within us.
Christians are to use, “the whole armor of God”, and to protect their hearts with all diligence. Sounds pretty serious and it is. It is within this phase that Christians gain protection. Who are they being protected against? Satan, of course. Most people know that mankind was created a little below the “status” and power of the angels. Most people also know that Satan is an angel, albeit a fallen one, an angel still. Being that both angel and God are above us, or more powerful than us, is there any doubt that someone is going to “take us over”? This is the Christian understanding. In order to have get the protection required from the fallen angel(s), we must go above them…that is, unless one wants to be destroyed.
No man can forgive a sin for God. Sin is committed against God and therefore He is the ONLY one who can forgive it. Jesus Christ and His teachings as the Son of God are the Christian way of life. One has to be very strong and very determined to be Christian, but even children can be strong and determined for it is not the body at war but the heart. This is a small part of the Christian Discipline. I hope you enjoy what God has given. It is His grace alone that we live.
Bless you sweet people.
