A Word to the Wise – 12-21-2016

by Dr. Walter Olsen

What is it especially that keeps people from enjoying the good things of life? First, we must consider that the good things of life are the things that come from God.

This includes a multiplicity of material things such as the created earth with all of its wonderful benefits such as beauty and food. It would also especially include God giving His Son to die for our sins and all the glorious promises of new life in Christ. In the believer’s new life are such things as fellowship with God, a wonderful sense of His love, joy, and peace, freedom from fear of death and judgment, and a God given purpose of life. When we have trusted Jesus as our Savior, these things become some of our most treasured possessions. These things are available to all who personally come to Christ in faith. But consider this; those who refuse to repent of their sins can never really know these things. They are hidden to them because they can only be known when Christ dwells within the believer. Then too, many believers fail to realize them because of unconfessed sin in their lives. Thus it is that Jeremiah said to his people, “Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withheld good things from you” (Jer. 5:25). The good things of life are enjoyed to the fullest when we walk with God!

First Baptist Church of Woodville Dennis Tapp, Pastor 715-698-2624