Lesson 10
f. Our decisions should
not only conform to God-given goals, they should reflect right attitudes.
Examples of God's will for our attitudes:
(1)
love others Jn 13:35; 1 Thes. 4:9; 1 John 3:11
(2)
reliance/trust Prov 3:5-6
(3)
humility Phil 2:3-8
(4)
gratitude Col. 3:17
(5)
integrity Col. 3:22
(6)
diligence Col. 3:23
(7)
eagerness 1 Pet 5:2
(8)
generosity 1 Tim 6:17-19
(9)
courage Jn 16:33
(10)
submission Eph 5:21
(11)
contentment Heb 13:5
(12)
joy Jas. 1:2
(13)
giving thanks Eph 5:20
g. God is also
concerned about our behavior, (actions) for the end does not justify, just any
means.
(1) With proper goals
in view, and right attitudes at heart, our actions must be lawful. Eph 5:1-14
(2) and they must be
wise (the believer is not to make a decision he knows to be foolish) - Eph
5:15-17; Lk 14:28-32
(2) and they must be
wise (the believer is not to make a decision he knows to be foolish - Eph
5:15-17; Lk 14:28-32
h. Our perspective on life will largely determine the degree to
which we pursue godly goals with righteous attitudes and wise actions, since no
decision is made in a vacuum.
(1) The Christian with
a world view (perspective) shaped by Scripture will have a much different sense
of self-identity.; recognizes that their self-worth is related to the one to
whom they belong, Jesus Christ.
(2) This believer will
face life with a deep sense of security
knowing that he is loved by God with a love which he did nothing to earn (and
which, therefore, he can do nothing to forfeit - Rom 8:31-39).
(3) This believer has a
clear grasp of his personal worth because he is aware that God has specifically
equipped him to participate meaningfully in the outworking of the eternal
purposes of God. Eph 2:10; 1 Pet 4:10-11
(4) Both of these (a strong sense of security and significance
in Christ) when understood free the Christian from self-promoting motivations
in decision making, and release him to focus more on the needs of others. Phil
2:1-5
(5) The believer is
also reminded that he is on assignment for God in enemy territory. Eph 6:12;
"in the world but not of
it."
(6) It is God's moral
will that we resist having our
viewpoint molded by the world.
Rom 12:2 "Stop being conformed to this world"
(7) Instead, we are to
walk by faith (2 Cor 5:7) seeing our lives, and therefore our decisions,
through the 'lens' of God's Word; the
mirror of God's Word.