Godly Commands, Not Suggestions

By John Mason    The Bible does not offer suggestions; instead it commands us: To be in right relationship with our brothers.  (Matt. 5:24) To follow the rule of peace.  (Col. 3:15) Not to "get even."  (1 Thess. 5:15) To be an example to others.  (1 Tim. 4:12) To be abounding, steadfast and immovable.  (1 Cor. 15:58) To renew our minds.  (Rom. 12:2) To separate ourselves from unclean things.  (2 Cor. 6:17) To be content with what we have.  (Heb. 13:5) To be filled with the Spirit.  (Eph. 5:18) To have no fear of what man can do to us.  (Luke 12:4) Not to be like the world.  (Rom. 12:2) To avoid greed and envy.  (Heb. 13:5) To be patient with all people.  (1 Thess. 5:14) Not to quit.  (2 Thess. 3:13) To be people of quality.  (Heb. 6:12) To beware of false prophets.  (Matt. 7:15) To avoid wrong conversation.  (1 Tim. 6:20) Not to quench the Spirit.  (1 Thess. 5:19) To abstain from all lust of the flesh.  (1 Peter 2:11) To teach our children about the Lord.  (Eph. 6:4) To cast all our cares upon the Lord.  (1 Pet. 5:7) To avoid murmuring or disputing.  (Phil 2:14) To give thanks in everything.  (1 Thess. 5:18) To give no place to the devil.  (Eph. 4:27) Not to grieve the Holy Spirit.  (Eph. 4:30) To honor our parents.  (Eph. 6:2; Matt. 19:19) To submit ourselves to God.  (James 4:7) To let men see our good works.  (Matt. 5:16) To resist the devil.  (James 4:7) To put on the whole armor of God.  (Eph. 6:11) To humble ourselves.  (James 4:10) To walk in the Spirit.  (Gal. 5:25) To cast down vain imaginations.  (2 Cor. 10:5) To come boldly to God.  (Heb. 4:16) To seek God's kingdom and righteousness.  (Matt. 6:33) To forsake not the assembling of ourselves.  (Heb. 10:25) To look to Jesus.  (Heb. 12:2) To be in agreement.  (Matt. 18:19) Not to cause others to stumble.  (Rom. 14:13) To bless those who persecute us.  (Matt. 5:44) To redeem the time.  (Eph. 5:16) Not to be ashamed of Jesus.  (Rom. 10:11) To have confidence in God.  (Heb. 10:35) To worship decently and in order.  (1 Cor. 14:40) To do all to God's glory.  (1 Cor. 10:31) Source: An Enemy Called Average by John Mason  Excerpt permission granted by Insight Publishing Group