Thursday's Thought

A Weekly Inspirational Message

"Something to help you through the remainder of the week."

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Puppies, Kittens, and Babies

     Everyone loves puppies, kittens, and babies. But they grow into dogs, cats, and adults. And as such often they are hard to love. This time of year the events surrounding the baby Jesus is on the minds of many. But the baby Jesus grew up a long time ago.

Jesus the Man

     He came to His own people and they rejected Him. In His home town they sought to throw him over a cliff. Religious leaders sought to trap Him in His words; failing that they sought to kill Him. His teachings were considered hard, and many followers left. Some of His teachings that were considered hard are:

          You will die in sins unless you believe I AM.

          If you reject the Son, you’ll be rejected by the Father.

          One must come to the Father through Him.

          To be His disciple, one must take up his cross and follow Him.

          Disciples must love Him more than family.

          To love Him is to keep His commandments.

          One is to believe and be baptized to be saved, or be condemned.

Today Jesus Is Adored and Ignored

Some relish the fact that He came but ignore reason He came.

Some adore the baby Jesus (Christ-child) but not the man (Christ-lord).

Some enjoy visions of baby in manger, but not a king in heaven.

Some participate in the activities of Christmas, but not actions of a Christian.

Some clamor for the spirit of Christmas, but not the spirit of Christ.

Some pay lip service to Him, but reject His rule, His commandments, His Way.

© 2006 Thursday’s Thoughts by Ron Adams

Back issues for 2006 available at http://thursdaythought.homestead.com