Gtcotr/ws051023
This is a very special evening at GTCOTR. An evening we have set aside to recognize and honor the High School Graduates for 2023 who are a part of our Church Family and to share some wisdom from the Word of God which we believe will help them to take their next step in life.
With this in mind allow me to share 5 life lessons you will find to be timeless and true whether in the workplace, at school, or with family.
1. What you say will be said.
Luke 12: 3 "Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will
be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will
be proclaimed on the housetops.”
·
When
we tell someone a secret, it may no longer be a secret.
·
Expect
everyone to tell one. It will be rare when they don’t.
·
Don’t
be surprised when you hear someone has repeated what you have said.
·
This
truth should make us more cautious about the things we say.
·
Proverbs
16:28 A troublemaker plants seeds of
strife; gossip separates the best of friends.
·
Heaven
is taking account of every word we speak.
·
Matthew
12:37 By our words we will be justified or by our words we will be condemned.
·
Evidently
what we say is being recorded for playback someday …
·
Make
it you plan to say things you want everyone to hear and know.
· James 1:19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
2. What you do will be found out.
Luke 12:2 "For there is nothing covered that will not be
revealed, nor hidden that will not be known."
It’s not just the bad stuff that gets found out, but also the good stuff.
Matthew 6:4 “… your (Heavenly) Father who sees (your charitable
deeds done) in secret will Himself reward you openly.”
·
On
the one hand the devil is trying to set you up to surprise you and show your
friends and family how bad you are …
·
While
on the other hand God is trying to set you up to show everyone how wonderful
and true and loving and kind and gracious and benevolent you are …
·
Who
are you going to work with?
·
Remember
– The power of sin is in the secret. Shine the light and the darkness will
flee!
·
But
don’t be surprised – What you do will be found out.
·
And
remember, if you have done wrong, repentance before God is always the best
option.
· Have an honest conversation with God.
3. What you believe will be tested.
Mark 4:17 But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.
·
Jesus
told His disciples that the Word of God is like a seed, and we are like God’s
garden. When we hear the Word the devil comes immediately, like birds in the
springtime, trying to steal the seed before it can take root in the ground.
(Mark 4:15)
·
Today,
God is going to give you a special seed of His powerful Word. Just remember:
When you leave here, you are headed for a test.
o Pass the test!
o It’s an open book
test! For goodness sake … open the book!
o And you can shout out
to a friend.
o Or call on the Teacher and He will give you the right answer.
4. What you compromise to keep you will lose.
Mark 8:35 “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it.”
·
We
are not going to live without temptation.
·
The
same sins that ruled your old life will try to rule the new.
·
There
are no new temptations … they just come in nicer packages and look more
attractive. Not new and improved, just repackaged.
·
For
what would you be willing to compromise your integrity?
Ø Love
Ø Sex
Ø Money
Ø Power
Ø Position
· We must establish principles before we encounter problems.
5. Nothing changes until something changes.
·
Geographical
cures don’t work.
·
There
is no greener grass. Life will be only as good as you make it.
·
You
may be in need of a new life manager.
·
May
I recommend the Holy Spirit – He will help you manage you …
Ø Repent of your sin
Ø Renew your mind with
the word.
Ø Recover yourself from that snare of the devil.
These 5 Lessons of Life are the truth and have been since creation. Teach them to your children and to your children’s children.
·
Make
it a habit to always say good things about others … things you hope they
hear. Not manipulation, just your heart. It will please God.
·
Choose
the high road and do things you’d be proud for everyone to know about.
·
Hold on to your faith concerning God and concerning others
in whom you believe. Don’t let the devil rob you of the blessings which come
from simple trust. If you find yourself disappointed in others … don’t let that
experience color the rest of your life.
·
Refuse to compromise your integrity for some short-term
gains.
And by the way, you are leaving here on your way to the next test!
·
The outside won’t change what’s inside, but the inside can
change the outside. Work on what is inside your life … work on you … your
heart, your mind, your emotions, your thoughts, your hurts, your hopes and your
relationship with reality.
