Selwyn continues his discussion on the emotion – shame.
His concluding remarks are good – because they highlight the importance of having Jesus sitting on the throne in our heart. It’s a throne that only has room for one person or thing; if we put our trust in money or job security or our family then we have taken our throne away from Jesus. We must do something to re-install Him, to His rightful place – if we want to be released from debilitating, negative emotions.
Selwyn writes: “Today, I imagine, is decision day for many of you reading these lines in different parts of the world> if you have something in your heart around which your affections are entwined to the detriment of your Christian life, get down on your knees at some appropriate moment, confess it to God, ask His forgiveness and put Jesus Christ once again on the throne of your heart.
Those who live close to God will not have to live close to shame. They may feel shame, but it will not be debilitating shame. Shame has no lasting power in a heart that puts God first.”
In John’s Gospel, we read (14:23-24, NIV): ‘Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. … ” ‘
If you love Jesus and obey His teaching - God will live in your heart; and, His perfect love will drive out negative emotions, such as shame. We can trust in His love, and live, knowing that shame or its companions cannot take a permanent hold of your heart. Do you agree?
No lasting power
Selwyn continues his discussion on the emotion – shame.
His concluding remarks are good – because they highlight the importance of having Jesus sitting on the throne in our heart. It’s a throne that only has room for one person or thing; if we put our trust in money or job security or our family then we have taken our throne away from Jesus. We must do something to re-install Him, to His rightful place – if we want to be released from debilitating, negative emotions.
Selwyn writes: “Today, I imagine, is decision day for many of you reading these lines in different parts of the world> if you have something in your heart around which your affections are entwined to the detriment of your Christian life, get down on your knees at some appropriate moment, confess it to God, ask His forgiveness and put Jesus Christ once again on the throne of your heart.
Those who live close to God will not have to live close to shame. They may feel shame, but it will not be debilitating shame. Shame has no lasting power in a heart that puts God first.”
In John’s Gospel, we read (14:23-24, NIV): ‘Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. … ” ‘
If you love Jesus and obey His teaching - God will live in your heart; and, His perfect love will drive out negative emotions, such as shame. We can trust in His love, and live, knowing that shame or its companions cannot take a permanent hold of your heart. Do you agree?