The Lovely People With Disgusting Habits & Diets
"Be as much in earnest for heavenly and eternal things, as ye formerly were for those that are earthly and perishing." - Adam Clarke
"There is a dainty bright blue butterfly of less than an inch wingspread that has jewel-like gold spots on its wings. It is very lovely to behold, but it has a disgusting habit and diet. Instead of soaring heavenward in sunlight as it might, it descends to dung and feeds there.
Some of God's people choose the filthy things of the world rather than the heavenly purities God has to offer..." - Illustrations From Nature
The Scriptures define a Christian in many different ways.
In Colossians 3:1, the Apostle Paul stated - "If ye then be risen with Christ..."
In 2 Peter 1:4, Peter added "...that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature..."
But what do these two concepts actually suggest?
To "be risen with Christ" is to be united with the Lord Jesus in His death to self and sin while, in His resurrection, to be made alive to a new spiritual and supernatural life.
To be a "partaker of the divine nature" entails having the same moral nature as God; hence, to be like Him in views, thoughts, feelings, purposes, and principles. It is to be renewed in the spirit of our minds as well as to be conformed to His image and likeness.
As we all know, these are not just words, ideas, or labels for Christians to simply confess or wear, hoping that some day they will become a reality in their lives. They are life-changing positions for every saint to own or maintain.
What happens when a person is "risen with Christ"? What kind of changes take place in his life when he becomes a "partaker of the divine nature"?
Colossians 3:1-2 - The Apostle Paul adamantly argued that a believer who is "risen with Christ" will seek after heavenly things - "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."
In other words, he will be far more attentive to the concerns of the heavenly world than of his earthly dwelling. He will love, esteem above all else, study, be engrossed with, and strive after the things of God. Jesus will have all of the affections of his heart, and heaven will be his primary goal.
Philippians 4:8 - He will "think" on things that are "true," "honest," "just," "pure," "lovely," "of good report," virtuous, and praiseworthy.
On the contrary, the "things on the earth" like wealth, honor, positions, pleasures and amusements, possessions, as well as fashions and trends will not steal the affections of his heart. He will not allow it to be engrossed by such.
2 Peter 1:4 - His testimony will be that, through God's "exceeding great and precious promises," he is continuously escaping or fleeing from the "corruption that is in the world through lust" which involves all inordinate and impure desires.
The question we must ask ourselves as believers is - Are we living here below in this sin-sick world as those who are "risen with Christ"? Are we setting our affections "on things above, not on things on the earth"?
Our affections reveal much about our true character. Someone once said - "The fundamental distinction between the godly and ungodly men consists in the object to which their affections are directed."
Others have also made their statements regarding the affections -
Marcus Aurelius - "The true worth of a man is to be measured by the objects he pursues."
William Gurnall - "The nearer to heaven in hopes, the farther from earth in desires."
C.H. Spurgeon - "Whatever is your greatest joy and treasure, that is your god."
Augustus H. Strong - "Likeness comes from liking. We grow to be like that which we like."
Based on these various statements, where do you stand, O Christian?
Are you godly because your affections are directed toward the Lord Jesus and His Word? Or have you once again joined the ranks of the ungodly with your heart being inclined toward the things of this world?
Who or what is your "greatest joy and treasure"?
Do you find yourself daily growing closer to heaven in hopes and further from the earth in desires?
If "likeness comes from liking," then what does your life tell others that you like the most?
In our opening illustration, we read about the "dainty bright blue butterfly with jewel-like gold spots on its wings." What a lovely sight it must be! Yet this same creature has such a disgusting feature which tends to steal its beauty - it feeds on dung.
How many Christians are "partakers of the divine nature" and are robed in the Glory of God, yet have the same disgusting feature as this butterfly - they feed on the "dung" of this world rather than on the sparkling jewels of the Word of God?
We are admonished in the Scriptures to think on things that are "true." That means that we are to reject that which is false concerning God, man, love, morality, eternity, judgment, as well as heaven or hell.
Do the TV programs and movies that you watch fit this criterion or guideline? Are they portraying a "true" picture of things as they really are? Does the music that you listen to agree with God's unchangeable and eternal Truth?
Think on things that are "honest" - that which is grave, dignified, decent, reputable, and honorable.
Are you viewing, reading, or listening to material that promotes decency and dignity in dress and behavior?
What about the Romance Novels or various magazines, Soap Operas, or Country, Rock, or Rap Music? Are they "honest" according to the Bible?
That which is "just" involves integrity as well as the righteous and just dealings with others.
That which is "pure" deals with chastity in thought, word, and deed.
That which is "lovely" is exemplified when one is pleasing, amiable, and agreeable in disposition rather than crabby, irritable, and fault-finding.
That which is "of good report" is demonstrated through kindness, courtesy, and respect unto others.
Do the TV shows and movies that you watch or the music that you allow into your spirit fit this standard?
What about the Sitcoms that mock Sin, the Beer commercials which imply fornication and adultery, or the revealing lingerie advertisements?
Are you like the little butterfly in that you have a God-given beauty on the outside yet corruption lies within? You wear the loveliness of the Lord each day as you smile, sing the Praises of the Lord, and worship with your loud "Hallelujahs" in the market place, at work, or over the Internet. Yet, hidden beneath the surface are the most disgusting spiritual habits and diet.
This is abominable!
Our opening quote said - "...Some of God's people choose the filthy things of the world rather than the heavenly purities God has to offer..."
If that describes you, you can change.
Why not do it today?
Copyright 2004 by Connie Giordano
