Skip to main content

Faith or Froth?

Have you ever received an email which professes that is you pass it along and it continues, blessings will come to all who may read it? I do not like these emails. Blessings come from God and not from an email, although an email can be a blessing to someone, but what we need to understand is that all blessings come from God. We are blessed everyday of our lives. (Deuteronomy 28:2) All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God.

Why are these emails sent to us in the first place? Many do not carry scripture nor are they based on any biblical principal and most proclaim to have answers to problems we are dealing with at the moment, but how can that be when many are not based on the word of God. Nice pictures and cute cartoons but lacking in the word.

I would contend that intentions are most often good. Faithful emails start out as a testimony, a prayer or words of encouragement. Yet along the way they are altered and changed. Other emails are sent to display how “Christian” one is and to let the entire world know it. Others are sent as a way of killing time at work when we should really be working. Some of these simple actions can possibly help someone move forward if based on the word of God. My own act of faith of sharing a word of reassurance and hope is a sincere intention that is grounded in my trust in God, and based on the word of God. My pastors monitor what is sent out and if I am wrong or off base they we let me know and I will go back and correct myself when required.

Nonetheless, some emails are actions and toys of the enemy. When emails are sent out are not based on the word of God; true believing Christians will quickly delete them and move on with the business of the day, but my worry is that folk that are new to His word will be confused and led down the wrong path. Beware of false teachings in these emails! What I am saying to you is that you must study the word of God and do not allow an email to be a substitute for the word of God.

How much time and effort does the originator of these emails put into studying and learning the word of God for themselves? I surmise that many are not doing their daily reading and study. What kind of music were they listening too when they sent it? Were they at the club the weekend before sending it? How were they treating others before sending it? What is truly behind these emails, faith or froth?

The Internet, emails, and technology are all great tools, and if God is in the midst of the email blessings shall flow, but if these emails are being used to show others a level of one’s own faith in God, it is all a waste of time. You must study God’s word and stand for His word, and stay away from the things that will keep you away from God. True believers must be all about building the kingdom, and not about building one’s self image. I know that God is the constant in every life and opens the way to rich blessings and the way to know him is not in an email but in His word. Have you studied God’s word for yourself today? I bet that the time took you to read this email; you could have read a scripture or two. There are some things you need to get for yourself and cannot be sent in an email.

By: Elder Michael L. Hargett
Copyright 2008 © MinTech, Inc.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

“Truly Giving Thanks”

Monday, November 23, 2009 Colossians 3:17 “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Truly Giving Thanks! I hear people proclaim that they thank God for this and thank God for that and I often wonder do they really mean what they say? Do folk really thank God for waking up in the morning? Do folk truly thank God for use of their right mind? Do folk really praise Him they way he deserves to be praised? For me, I believe most people say it because it has become custom and ritual rather than meaningful. Evident by the way most folk who proclaim these things live their lives. Actions speak louder than words! Folk say they thank God yet they do not live for him. For example, ever seen an award show and a popular performer receives a Grammy. They often begin their acceptance remarks by saying “First, I give honor to God.” But the recording and video they performed represente...

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

Isaiah 46:3-4 Listen to me...you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you. I found this illustration for Father’s Day. It is the story of Derek Redmond, a star runner in the 1992 Olympics. Derek was competing for the medal in the 400 meter race. Less than half-way through, he ripped a hamstring muscle and fell to the ground in agony. While the rest of the runners moved past him, Derek managed to get to his feet and began struggling to move forward. Then something caught the attention of the television cameras. Jim, his father, ran past security and onto the race track. At first Derek shrugged him away, saying, "I'm going to finish the race." Jim said to his son, "We've started everything together. We'll finish this together." He put his arm around his son and held him as they crossed the finish line together. ...

Reflections on My Navy Retirement June 29, 2009

I would be lost this morning without giving God thanks for the many blessings that he has bestowed upon me. Thank you to all of you that were able to attend my retirement from the Navy. Words cannot do justice to the depth of my gratitude for making such a monumental effort just to see me say goodbye to the Navy. God continues to bless me, as on Last Friday I had the opportunity to begin a new chapter in my life. Yes, this was a day that the Lord has made, I rejoiced and was glad in it. The word says that no eyes have seen no ears have heard what God has for those who love him. Seasons come and go, yet God’s presence is forever faithful. No moment from the past can cloud the vision that God has for us right now. With God all things are possible and we must trust in God to guide us into a new beginnings. And Yes, even after the Navy. I must first share our dreams and goals with God in prayer, and then led by his divine wisdom. This is why I center myself in the presence ...