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SCRIPTURE - 1 Co 2 : 14 - 16                                              MAY, 1999

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

SUBJECT - THROUGH HIS EYES

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While talking to a young lady one day, I forget what it was we were talking about, but I made the statement that, 'I have to look at things, the way God looks at them.' She proceeded to tell me, that I, am not God.

This young lady, in looking at things through her own way of thinking, was making an intelligent point. She was under the mistaken notion, that I, with all my faults, and imperfect actions, was implying that I was putting myself, in the place of God, or being just like God. And thank God, I am not. But, that is not what I was saying.

What I was saying, is that, in every situation that I see, I have to make the choice of looking at it, through my own intellect, and understanding, or look at it the way God, Himself sees it. There is a big difference.

You see, what I was actually telling her, is that, seeing things the way she, or any unsaved person, or carnally minded Christians see things, would usually cause me to act in a way, that is not pleasing to God. We talk about the right way, and the wrong way to respond to different situations that we face, in life. These are the standards that the world has set. And, what criteria did they use to set them??? Their own understanding of how things work, and how people act, and why. But, in each of these things, they are missing one thing. And that is what separates the Christian, the true Christian, from everyone else. Because we use a different set of standards, and criteria to go by. We use God's.

Look at the subject scriptures real close. What do you see???

In the first verse, you see, 'But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

The natural man, (i.e. the flesh, the carnally minded, the ungodly), can't understand the things that God says are right, because they (the natural man), are relying on their own intelligence, that is worldly, and without any recognition of God. And because of this, what God says is right, seems utterly stupid to them. They can't figure out how it is going to work. They sit down, and look at the situation and say, 'It's not going to work. How can It???' My own mind, my calculator, and my computer say it's not feasible. The problem is, that the solutions are Spiritually discerned, and therefore, are far above the realm of human thinking [Is 55:8-9] For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

All of us, just about, are taught, usually in public school to believe that we are the only entities that control our lives. We are taught that there is no God. Therefore, all solutions to our problems, are in our own power. If we don't do it, it can't be done. This is what is known as the 'man is his own god' image. Anything that doesn't fit in to this way of thinking, is moot.

The next verse, shows how those that are spiritually minded, judge all things, spiritually, or, as God sees them. When they do this, they are moving in the 'will' of God. Instead of seeing, say for instance a drug addict, a prostitute, or a homosexual, or a drunkard, as being evil, they see them as being in bondage to the devil, through the sin nature that is in all of us. They, sometimes see themselves in these individuals, and realize that Jesus died for them (the ungodly), just like He did for them (the saved). Someone disrespects them, or abuses them, instead of retaliating, they see the real enemy, and respond by praying for them, or doing good to them. Turning the other cheek, so to speak.

'What good does that do??' They (the ungodly) say. 'Man, you need to get even.' That's the response of the world. The bible says, [Eph 6:12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

When sickness or disease comes, the spiritual, resort to prayer, the laying on of hands, and anointing with oil. Problems in marriage, or government, are signs of the influence of Satan. Racism, is of the devil. Instead of hating the racist, the spiritual, will pray for them. As a result of this, God has no reason to judge the spiritual. They are moving in His will.

The third verse, poses a question. Who knows the mind of God?? Who can show Him, how to do things??? Can you??? Can I??? Can Bill Clinton??? How about, the genius?? Or maybe the bishop??? Who??? No one. But, notice the last part of the verse says, talking to the spiritual, that we have the mind of Christ, who has the mind of the Father. We do things, the way Jesus would do them. We see things, the way He sees them.

If you will look at it like this, you can understand what I am saying. When we were young, our parents, used to tell us to do certain things, and not to do other things. When we asked 'why?' we were told that it was for our own safety. Well, we, being young, could not understand the danger and sometimes the strictness they showed to us. We just couldn't see it. Now, however, being older, and having kids of our own, we find ourselves telling them the same things. Why?? Because we know from experience, that what our parents were telling us was the correct thing. We now, have their mind. We understand it all, now.

Well, before a person gets saved, the things that Jesus tells us to do, and not to do, make no sense to us. We can see no danger, or benefit in following His directions. In fact, they look totally ridiculous to us.

However, Jesus, just like our parents, has all the experience, and He wants us to see all things, the way He sees them, through the eyes of the spirit.

If the world, could realize the things that are going on, are all by the design of God, then they could begin to realize that only He has control, and if we would yield our way of thinking, to incorporate God, and His Word, what a far better place this world would be.

But no, our pride, is standing in the way. We are the 'know it all's.' No one can tell us anything. Especially those that claim to be following that 'wimpy' Jesus.

Look at the attacks on the 'religious right', by those that call themselves the epitome of intelligence. Doing things the way the bible says they should be done, would make many suffer, and be 'mean spirited.' It wouldn't be 'politically correct.' It's 'gay bashing.'

Excuses, excuses, excuses. Nothing but excuses, for ignorance, by the ignorant. Ignorant, because they just don't know. That's why, while He was on the cross, Jesus asked the Father, 'Forgive them, for they know not what they do.' [Lk 23:34]

That is why, when I encounter persecution or resentment, because of my stance on issues and the behavior of individuals, I Just remember Jesus saying, 'Forgive them, for they know not what they do.' That is having the mind of Christ.

Looking at what Jesus did, for our salvation, how He suffered all of the punishment, persecution, and the crucifixion, when He could have easily stopped it, shows the real meaning of what He did for all of us. But, many of us, just can't see it.

Why would He do it??? Especially for me. I'm a junkie. I'm a drunk. I'm a homosexual/lesbian. I've had an abortion. I've murdered somebody. I'm a liar, and a cheat. I am the scum of society. Nobody loves me. I can't see how anyone would want to do anything for me, much less give His life for me. Well, you have to see yourself, through His eyes.

That's what I have to do. I have to see you, the way He sees you. No matter how you act. No matter what the color of your skin is. No matter what religion you are in. No matter your gender. I often tell people, male and female, that 'God loves you, and I do too.' Telling this to a woman, isn't that bad. But, when you tell a man that, you get this strange look, like, 'what's up with that?? You funny or what??'

The bible says, [Ro 12:2]        And be not conformed to this world (thinking like, or seeing things like the ungodly): but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind (begin to see things in a whole new light, the way God sees them), that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. That, my friends, is not an option. It is a commandment. In order to be in the perfect will of God, all of us, have to do this. Of course, doing this, will make you look stupid, or 'holier than thou.' But, that's the price of being saved. People are always going to try to make you think that you are trying to act like God. Well, here's a secret, you are. Notice, I am not saying you are trying to 'be God.'

To understand the plan of salvation, God wants you to see yourself through His eyes. He says, [Is 1:18-20] Come now, and let us reason together (see things, My way), saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

He wants you to see your condition, and its consequences, the way they are, and not the way you think they are. He wants you to see what can happen if you turn to Him, and what happens if you say no.

Many of you think you are all right with God, when you actually, are in rebellion against Him. You think just because you lie once in awhile or as you call it, 'little white lies' or maybe do some fornicating once in a while, or some other 'little sin', that it is no big deal. But, if you commit one little sin, you may just as well have committed a big one, like murder. The punishment is the same. [Jas 2:10-11]For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.
        
So, as you can see, looking at things through your own eyes, you find nothing to repent about. But, looking at yourself through His eyes, you can begin to see that you are not the good person you think you are.

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