Welcome to my personal opinion!

How has your point of view been determined? On what do you base your belief system? What shapes your opinions?

All of us look at our world around us and interpret what we see based upon our most basic beliefs. This perspective is often referred to as our "worldview." We see what goes on in the world and our world view determines whether we think those things are good or bad, positive or negative. And that worldview also determines how we will react to everything that we encounter. So you see, it really is a matter of perspective.

Up front I will confess that I hold to what is known as a Biblical Worldview. My commitment to the Bible as being the Word of God, and my faith in the One revealed to us in that totally unique book and through His Holy Spirit has provided the lens through which I view the world around me.

So, if you choose to read what I have written there will likely be some things you will agree with and some which you will not. That will be determined by your own personal worldview.

My hope is that what I write will challenge you to better understand what you have chosen to base your worldview upon, and if it is not based on the unchanging Word of God, that you might become convinced, like I am convinced, that His Word is truth and serves to guide the believer through life's journey toward the "abundant life" Jesus promised in John 10:10.

Monday, March 30, 2009

The good life

Romans 8:28 tells us, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (NKJV).

The Personal Growth Study Bible by Nelson Publishers provides some interesting and helpful commentaries on select passages. Here are the comments given about Romans 8:28 . . .
"We want only good for our children, but God still permits bad things to happen to His children. How can Paul suggest that everything that happens to us is good?
First, Paul doesn't suggest that everything which happens to us is good. Sometimes horrible things happen to Christians. What Paul affirms is that things work together for good for those who love God. God is able to take the bad things that happen to us and weave them into the total pattern of our lives so that good results.
Second, Paul wants us to accept God's definition of good. The good is not necessarily the pleasant or desirable. God's good is to make us more like Jesus, conforming us to Christ's image. This what's truly good for each believer, and this is the good God promises to produce through everything we experience.
So, let's not be terrified by tragedy or pain when they visit. Let's remain confident of God's love, and let Him work His good in our lives."

Numerous times I have faced situations which I would not have chosen for myself, nor was I particularly glad to go through those experiences. However, looking back I can honestly say that I can see good which came as a result of each of those experiences. Tough experiences result in stronger faith and an enhanced ability to minister to others who go through similar experiences. This is part of what it means to conform to the image of Christ, and that is good. Part of our maturing process as a Christian is to develop an attitude of understanding concerning suffering, and to express thanksgiving even for those sufferings.
"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy" (I Peter 4:12-13, NKJV).

How we react to the troubles we face can bring glory to the Lord who has suffered greatly for us. And that is good!
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