Guidelines For Living

Guest (Male): Take a break from your busy schedule and join Harold Sala for Guidelines for Living.

Harold Sala: Evident in almost every facet of life today is a fundamental problem. We have not learned the secret of renewal, and pollution is the inevitable result—morally, spiritually, and physically, too. A leading scientist said that almost everything the human hand touches becomes polluted. The Sea of Galilee in Israel is a typical example. Marine life in Galilee, the largest body of freshwater in Israel, is in danger of serious harm, possibly even extinction, so say some.

If you should look on a Bible atlas, you will find a small dot on the map north of Galilee then called the waters of Merom. Years ago, it was a swamp, but engineers drained the swamp, fertilized the area, and turned it into productive land. But now, decades later, those fertilizers, along with other pollutants, have drained into the Jordan and now threaten to destroy life in Galilee. The balance of nature is upset. Now, this is not another plea for a green world. The environment is only an illustration of what has happened universally.

We know the problem, but there is a solution. No, it isn't original, but I think it's inspired. The answer is renewal. Even the seasons themselves teach the lesson of renewal. Centuries ago, the Psalmist recognized that renewal is God's program, for he said, "You, God, renew the face of the earth." In almost every facet of life, renewal is important—your spiritual life included.

Almost everywhere I go, I meet Christians. Their stories go something like this: "There was a time when I went to church, but then something happened." There are a lot of variations, like, "There was a time when I taught a Sunday School class, or served on a committee, or worked with the young people, but something happened." And that individual became a spiritual dropout. Now, hold steady. You may be thinking, "No, that person didn't have any faith to begin with." Possibly you're right, but I'm not always convinced.

You see, at times working for God can be a trap. People get so wrapped up in church work they neglect the person behind it all. Their spiritual energies are exhausted. Friend, what you are is more important than what you do. Once, Dr. Wilbur Chapman went to his friend F. B. Meyer and complained of lacking spiritual energy. Meyer said, "Hey, try exhaling twice without inhaling."

Thinking that this was some kind of new exercise, Chapman tried desperately to exhale to the fullest twice without inhaling. That is impossible. It is also one reason why many Christians are fatigued. Perhaps you're among them. Let me share with you three guidelines for spiritual renewal.

Guideline number one: Get into the Word, the Bible, and pray every day. Isaiah said, "They who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength." That is God's promise of spiritual renewal for you. To the Romans, Paul wrote, "Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Guideline two: Practice the presence of God in your life. Jesus said, "Lo, I am with you always," and again, he said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Start every day with the realization God is by your side. Ask Him never to leave you. Guideline three: Renew your spiritual life by confessing and forsaking any wrong in your life. That, friend, is the answer.

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