Taking out the trash

[*Light*]

With all the garbage on TV and in the world today; it is not easy to filter out all the worldly trash that tries to enter our minds. Keeping ourselves constantly occupied with doing the Lord's will and lots of praying seems to be the best remedy to stay focused on spiritual matters so that we may grow thereby.

As John says . . .           

And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us. And if we know that He heareth us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him. (1 John 5:14-15)            

So having one's prayers answered is a good sign that one is "zoned in" on the Will of God for one's life, a sure sign of spiritual maturity. I think it is also true that the more we see things God's way -- the essence of "godliness" -- the more we will take His view of things. Compare:     

But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. (Revelation 2:6)

The Nicolaitans were the permissive sect of early Christianity, indulging in many of the things that upset us believers and seeking to justify them. The name *Nicolas* is interpreted as, "one who conquers the people". It was written by Irenaeus that Nicolas was a deacon mentioned in Acts 6. He was a false convert who had apostatized; but due to his high status he was able to lead many believers astray. Similar to Balaam, Nicolas led people into sensual temptations, carnality, and moral wickedness. Being negatively disposed to such behavior and the individuals that promote it is thus decidedly a good thing -- as long as we don't fret ourself overly. After all, "for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God" (Jas.1:20).  Avoiding extremes in all things is genuinely the prudent, Christian thing to do.

God Bless!

Edited October 7, 2018 by (Omega)
Grammar