18/05/2013 - THE RIGHT WAY TO LIVE

• 
• 
• 
• 

Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one.

II Corinthians 7:2

The Word of God teaches us to live in such a way that in the Day of reckoning we will not suffer any loss, namely, without wronging anyone, without corrupting anyone or seeking our own advantage. All our deeds – whether good or bad – are recorded on a daily basis. Just as the alms given by Cornelius, the centurion, were kept in God’s memory (Acts 10:1-2), whatever you do is also recorded – and you’d better have only good records in the book of life!

In the list of the three things that Paul says he did not do, there is the verb to wrong, which means to treat unjustly or injuriously. As children of the Most High, we should never wrong anyone as if we did not have God’s light. In business, it is best not to profit if the person we are negotiating with is not knowledgeable of the transaction he is doing.

The same applies to temptations. Never act on the impulse of the flesh and do not engage in a relationship with someone who is not your spouse. It is better to cut your hand off if it causes you to sin and to pluck your eye out if it leads into looking at what is forbidden (Mark 9:43-47). Although this passage is metaphorical, it shows us that we must seek righteousness.

Do not let yourself be contaminated by greed, which leads you, among other things, into coveting the servant of another employer. Do not yield to the impulses of passion and do not covet someone else’s spouse thinking that with that person you will be truly accomplished. There is no such a thing as “God writes straight with crooked lines”. Such desire, which takes hold of some people’s heart, comes from the enemy, the author of sin.

One of God’s commandments says: You shall not covet (Exodus 20:17). Thus, if the will to pervert someone comes to your mind, purge it immediately. God’s eyes, that see all things, run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him (II Chronicles 16:9a). Beware of the book of evil deeds because if your name is registered on it, you will suffer great damage and may be lost forever.

Also do not take advantage of anyone. Whatever benefit you get is good only if it comes from the Father. In the corrupt and capitalist world we live in, that which is considered an opportunity can sometimes be a snare of the devil. Therefore, do not covet someone’s job or position, but rather abide by what the Lord gives you.

Unfortunately, even in God’s work there are people who give themselves to the devil and as a result the Church has to pay higher sums of money for TV and radio programs, for real property and so on. Now, if the work is the Lord’s, He will give us what we need! Therefore, never seek your own advantage, but do only the will of God, because the gate is narrow (Matthew 7:13).

In Christ with Love, 

R. R. Soares