Thoughts for another day

Nov. 14, 2013.

Today's verse: 2 Tim. 1:7. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  (KJV)

(Pls. read the above before you read further.  Thanks)

This Word today is a rather powerful statement of Paul and talks of three attributes of the spirit God has put in us through His Son Jesus Christ; that of power, love and a sound mind.  Think of it and you’ll notice these three work to a man’s goodness and well bring throughout his life.  But first, we look at the spirit of fear which God hasn’t given us and I consider that as a tremendous gift because fear is destructive.  If anyone harbors fear, he or she will be eventually destroyed; this fear isn’t reverent fear or general fear that a human being must have, which keeps him or her in check.  Like, general fear of the boss because of which people don’t laze around or while away their time at their work places, but rather work; or the fear of God by which we shun sin.  Rather this is fear which squeezes us and frightens us like the fear of death, or the fear of failure or fear of being destroyed by natural calamities or the work of our enemies, etc. 

Instead, God has given us the spirit of love and John says in his first letter 1:18, ‘perfect love casteth out fear’ and we know it does for the person who loves never has fear in his heart.  Then God has given us the spirit of power.  It enables us to be individuals who are useful for us and the society in general as we possess power, the power to do things and change things for the better.  And we also work in tandem with the spirit of a sound mind by which we are able to conquer inhibitions and surmount difficulties and work the kind of things that benefit all human beings.

With the three attributes God gives us, we’re able to create a better environment for ourselves and also for our neighbors.  We can do wonderful things that please God and God then blesses us with even greater girth in the three attributes and we’re able to do even more good for others because of the love we have in our hearts.  By this is the world a better place, tranquil and progressive and a song of praise to God.