Christian Education Pre-K-12
Richmond Academy

LIFE AND DEATH

(1Peter 3:8-15) "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."

We give something away every day, even when we don’t realize it because in the power of the tongue is life or death. We must be just as wise with the giving of our words as we must be with the words which we receive from others. What is more precious than silver? What is more costly than gold? What is more beautiful than diamonds? Of course it is Jesus Christ, but how do we know Him? Through the words of life. Or rather, how did we come to know Him? Someone shared Him with us by the spoken word. God speaks words of life into this realm every single day. The Bible says that the worlds are framed by His word, so we must not kid ourselves into thinking that the world cannot help but to revolve around the Sun as if nothing could stop it. The truth is that without the power of life emanating from our Creator, the whole universe would fall apart. There is only one reason that this magnificent masterpiece of life is painted every day, because God has a plan! If you are a Christian and have heard or read about God’s plan, you may be well on your way to understanding your part in it. God has established a Kingdom on this earth. It is established in the hearts of men, women, and children. His Kingdom is ever increasing as those who have it share it with others.

(Ecclesiastes 11:1) "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days."

Jesus came as the bread of life. He said that man will not survive on earthly bread but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Straight to the point: What is God saying today? Find out what it is and give it to others! That is God’s plan. As you are obedient, others will experience life, and you will receive the same from them as they are obedient.

You cannot give what you do not have. If you are going to share what Jesus gives to you, then you must be abiding in the vine. If you do not abide in the vine, you will have no life to share. The disciples said it best when Jesus asked them if they were going to leave Him because of His hard sayings. They replied, "Where would we go? For You alone have the words of life." When do those who are used to darkness realize where they are? When they see a light. We are the light of the world. That is why we order up our conversation aright. It is not a religious act, or even an act of goodness. Christians speak the words of life because it is part of God’s plan. Let us stay ready and equipped to share words of life, and the hope we have in God with all men, knowing that a harvest could be a word away in any given conversation. May we stay sober, serious, ready and discerning the time that we are in, always considering that the very words we speak are a matter of life and death.

Biblical Counseling for Leaders

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Last modified: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 .