Am I Headed in The Right Direction or Do I Need to Turn Around?

For the Week Beginning April 5, 2009-

By Pastor Larry J. Bryson

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     I want to speak to the young people as well as the adults in terms of the direction we are taking, the course that we are on.  The subject poses a question that we should all consider seriously.  We can sometimes get off track based on things that we have to deal with on a daily basis.  I want the youth to know that there is a place for you in the kingdom of God.

 

     The question is, “Am I headed in the right direction or do I need to turn around?  This calls for self examination in terms of where I am headed.  Many people and churches are headed in the wrong direction because they are looking at things from their perspective rather than from God’s perspective.

How do I know if I am headed in the right direction?  James likened the word of God to a mirror.  A mirror reflects what is there.  Therefore, when you look into the word of God it will reflect what is there.  The writer to the Hebrews said that the word pierces to the dividing of soul and spirit and revealed the true man.

 

We know that we are headed in the right direction when our lives are in alignment with the word of God.  As we allow the Holy Spirit to search us and reveal the true state of how things are, we can begin to determine if we are headed in the right direction or if indeed we need to turn around.

 

 

CONVERSION!

In our text today Jesus said to His disciples;

 

Matthew 18:3

    And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

 

In soteriology, the doctrine of salvation, conversion is extremely important.  To be converted means to turn ones self.

 

strepho (stref'-o); i.e. turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively):

 

KJV - convert, turn (again, back again self, about).

 

 

When Jesus spoke to the disciples, there was an atmosphere of pride.  This atmosphere needed to be changed in order for the disciples to enter the kingdom of God.  They were asking who is going to be the greatest in the kingdom.  Jesus said that you are headed in the wrong direction.  It was the pride of life that was one of the elements in the fall of man.  Satan told Eve that God didn’t want her to eat of the tree because God knew that if she did, her eyes would be opened and she would be as gods knowing good from evil.

 

hos (hoce);, i.e. in that manner.

 

What are the Characteristics that we need to adopt in order to become as children?

 

 

HUMILITY!

Humility is the antithesis of pride.

 

Proverbs 16:18

¹⁸ Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

 

Proverbs 29:23

²³ A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

 

Some people consider humility as weakness but I see it as strength.  Humility is a state of mind that causes us to resist the spirit of pride which God hates.  There are several reasons why we should be humble;

1.      God guides and teaches the humble

         (Ps 25:9)

2.      God lifts up the humble (Psalms 147:6)

3.      God gives grace to the humble (James 4:6)

4.      The humble give up their rights.  Jesus gave us the example of humility (Philippians 2:5f).

5.      God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5-6).

 

 

HONESTY!

Honesty is displaying integrity, being upright, keeping your word.  Not deceptive or fraudulent.  Children are honest before they are taught otherwise.

 

1 Peter 2:12

¹² Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

 

DEPENDENCE!

Children depend completely on their parents for care. They would not have shelter except for their parents, they would not have food except for their parents, they would not have clothes except for their parents, they would of feel secure except for their parents.  Any child who is lacking any of this needs help.

 

Philippians 4:6-7

⁶ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

 

⁷ And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

Dependence is connected to humility.

 

1 Peter 5:6-7

⁶ Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

⁷ casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

NKJV

 

I don’t have to worry!

 

Rom 8:14-16

 ¹⁵ For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father."

NKJV

 

Am I headed in the right direction

or do I need to turn around?

 

All Scriptures cited are from King James Version of The Holy Bible

unless otherwise noted.

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