FROM THE KEYBOARD

Word to the wise: The Christian ought not celebrate what Scripture condemns. Namely, pride. You see, sin is to be mourned over and repented from, not celebrated and applauded. "Who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them" (Romans 1:32).

Within a Romans 1 devolution, we are charged to have a Romans 12 devotion. So as many are being conformed to the patterns of the evil world, believers are called to be transformed by the power of God's good Word. You see, hell has many ways, heaven but one. "Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6).

When in Rome, don’t do as the Romans do. When in Rome, do according to Romans 12:2. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2).

When our sight is in alignment with God’s sight, the resulting insight gives us foresight. Thus, by looking back, we learn from the past; by looking up, we discern in the present; and by looking out, we are able to warn others for the future. "These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual" (1 Corinthians 2:13).

Since man is the crown of God’s creation, the enemy seeks to defy God by de-crowning man. And he does this by attacking the image of God in man, leading to the carnage of man departing from God. However, although we have been de-crowned by sin, Christ took on the crown of the cross to bring us new life in Him. "What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor" (Psalm 8:4-5).

Praise is a weapon that confounds the enemy and silences the adversary. Praise is the strength of the vulnerable when we proclaim that God is able. "Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, because of Your enemies, that You may silence the enemy and the avenger" (Psalm 8:2).