ABUNDANT LIFE

 

     Today we are looking at the next three rules or principle of an abundant life.  Last week we learn that Jordan Peterson had his 12 rules for life and Ben Franklin had his 13 rules for life.   Bruce Wilkinson had a book called the, “Seven laws of the Learner.  As we learned last week that David had his 12 rules or principles for life.  Twelve characteristics that are an outgrowth of a godly life.   We might called these the fruit of a godly life in the Old Testament.  Paul outline in Gal 5:22-23, the 9 fruit of the Spirit they are  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  These were Paul’s list for the godly life.  David had two characteristics that made him a model for godly living.  He was a worshipper and a man after God’s own heart.  He was quick to repent, to take responsibility for his sin and not to do it again.  We can learn from David to keep short accounts with God.  David never blamed any anyone for his sin, or deflected, justified or made excuses for his sin.  This type of view is so needed today.  People instead of repenting of sin now applaud those who do, call them brave and make them examples of progress of new attitudes. 

     The first three that we look at last week were internal qualities day by day decisions we make in our private world and then bring them to our public world.  They were choices.  Now we are going to look at how these decision and choices affect our public world.  The next three are as follows.

 

1.      Whose tongue utters no slander.  Slander is known as oral or spoken defamation, slander is the legal term for the act of harming a person's reputation by telling one or more other people something that is untrue and damaging about that person.  In Proverbs 6:16-19, Solomon says that slander is sinful and God considers it an abomination.  Never say something about someone unless it positive, uplifting and encouraging.  The way to avoid being a carrier of slander is to make a decision to be like David and asked the Lord to put a watchman on my mouth.  Also remember that the tongue is a instrument of blessing and cursing.  My Dad use to say, if you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.  A little rule of thumb concerning social media.  Never post something you will regret later.  Never, never, never, run someone, business, church or organization down.  It makes you look petty, vindictive, rude and childish.  Here are five things that people hate done on social media. 

 

a.     Mentioning people for your own self serving purposes.

b.     Only contacting people when trying to get something out of them.

c.      Insulting people in a bid for moral or intellectual superiority.

d.     Showing how fit or well liked you are.

e.      Showing how rich, successful and popular you are,

 

f.        People have asked me over the years how do you deal with slander?  First, do not try to defend yourself.  It makes you look more guilty or petty.  Secondly, never slander someone back.  Thirdly, keep quiet unless a job or friendship is at stake them speak the truth nothing more and keep to the facts.  Fourthly, let God defend you.  Remember the truth always comes out later.  When you live the truth your true friends will believe you over the slander.  Solomon Says in Prov 17:9, “Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”  Again Solomon says in Prov 26:20, “Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down.”  Paul gives a strong exhortation in Tit 3:2. “Slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”

 

2.      Who does no wrong to a neighbor.  A neighbor is a friend, associate, someone you care about.  Your neighbor is anyone you come into contact with.  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  You are to love others as you love yourself.  Jesus said people will know we are His disciples by the way we love one another.  Here are ten things you can do to treat others better.

 

a.      Instead of judging people by their past, stand by them and help them build their future. Treat them with respect and make their journey your own.

b.      Listen with curiosity, speak with candor, and act with integrity.

c.      Treat everyone with kindness--not because they are kindhearted, but because you are.

d.      Don't try to make yourself great by making someone else look small.

e.      Remember, everyone has a story. Withhold judgment and instead offer the consideration you'd like to receive.

f.       We don't meet people by accident. Every person you meet will have a role in your life, be it big or small. Some will help you grow, some will hurt you, some will inspire you to do better.

g.      The best teachers are those who don't tell you how to get there but show the way.

h.      Never look down on someone unless you are helping them up.

i.       Appreciate those who have supported you, forgive those who have hurt you, help those who need you.  Treat people the way you want to be treated and life will instantly get better.  Remember you reap what you sow.

j.       Treat people like you want to be treated is a good way at looking at this thought. 

 

     The story of the Good Samaritan is Jesus parable in Luke 10:25-37, on who is our neighbor.  Let’s review it for a moment.

 

3.      Casts no slur on others.  A slur is an insinuation or allegation about someone that is likely to insult them.  You are careful what you say and how you say it.  You measure your speech.  Insults are caused by three things,  Jealousy, insecurity and lack of understanding.  God has given you the ability to successfully deal with these.  He has freed you from them in Christ.  He has given you love, security and self control.  There is no reason to insult others.  Who the Son sets free is free indeed.  David says that those who practice these things.  Those who dwell in the tabernacle of God and live on the Holy Hill will not be shaken.  You have built your life on the rock Christ Jesus and no matter what comes your way you will not be shaken because you are centered on the Lord.  James gives us a wonderful way to handle the temptation to slander or insult someone.  Be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger.  Your zinger insult will not accomplish what you want unless you are totally heartless.  Instead choose to make a difference.   Paul states in Col 4:6, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”  Also he says in Eph 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”  Simple but powerful advice.  What I have talk about are three rules for dealing with your neighbor.  They are fruit of that someone who wants to be a temple of the Holy Spirit and a dweller in the presence of the Lord.  How would you like to be so full of God’s anointing that after you die like the bones of Elisha bringing someone back to life after he was dead.  2 Kings 13:21.