Foundation no 6
Every Christian message is all about involving the heart in worship of the one true God; the pledging of allegiance with the heart wholly to God. This is the greatest emphasis of Jesus’ teachings. Outside this, one is religious.
Without a pure heart, one cannot stand in the presence of God.
“Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.” – Psalm 24:3-4.
A heart is pure when it dwells on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, praiseful, etc.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” – Philippians 4:8.
Jotham (2 Chronicles 27:6), prayed for an undivided heart and became powerful. An undivided heart proves our love for God, a love that is focused on God and God alone. An undivided heart is one that is anchored and trusts in God despite all odds.
Isaiah says:
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (Isaiah 26:3).
Amaziah (2 Chronicles 25:2), did what was right in the eyes of the Lord however, not wholeheartedly.
Being outwardly correct, yet divided inside reveals a disloyalty to God and this leads to a downfall.
Paul calls this foundation LOVE.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is LOVE, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.”
– Galatians 5:22. (Emphasis added)
A heart of love beats toward God and dwells in all things bright and beautiful.
FOUNDATION NO 7
Matthew 5:9
This is the foundation of Peace.
The Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary describes Peace as a “state of being free from war, civil disorders; it is a state of rest, quiet, calm, a state of friendship and harmony.”
God had an occasion with man. Yet He took the initiative, the first step; He came down from heaven to reconcile man to Himself. God is ever searching for man, to make peace with him, though it was man that offended Him.
As many as have this foundation are like their Father “…… called sons of God”.
A life of peace is a must for every child of God, and is in fact a proof of righteousness. It goes beyond foundation no 5, forbearance. While forbearance stops at forgiving in advance, peace goes further to help the offender.
“And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.” – Isaiah 32:17.
Let us pursue it.
“Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.” – 1 Peter 3:11.
“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:” (Hebrews 12:11 & 14).
Paul identifies this foundation in its Matthew 5:9 name – “PEACE“. Gal. 5:22
“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3).
FOUNDATION NO 4
We continue our relaying of the foundations.
Now at the fourth, which is about RIGHTEOUSNESS!
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” – Matt 5:6 (KJV)
Righteousness means right standing with God; a clear conscience devoid of offense. A conscience that thrives on uprightness; that seeks to do “the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” – Romans 12:2 (KJV)
This Foundation does not take sides with anyone or anything that is not standing right! Whoever and however close the person may be: spouse, child or relative; this Foundation would not pervert justice or twist judgment. It is not found “walking with the ungodly”.
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” – Psalms 1:1 (KJV)
Everything good inspires him: honesty uprightness, etc. He derives joy, and is filled with standing right even unto death.
Paul, in Galatians 5:22 calls this GOODNESS!
Let us desire to do good all the time.
FOUNDATION NO 5
This Foundation is the virtue of FORBEARANCE. It is the ability to hold back from inflicting punishment upon an adversary.
It is the attitude of ready forgiveness. Unforgiveness, resentment and bitterness corrode the soul. They are like acid to the soul.
This virtue in the Christian makes him or her ready to forgive, even in advance, without waiting for repentance from the other. He or she remembers that God has forgiven and is ever ready to forgive. The individual in whom this Foundation is well developed could go helping the offender in prayers and in every other ways.
In Galatians 5:22, Paul called it TEMPERANCE, which is self-control.
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