Get a life
We are all probably getting a little fed-up for the all the naval gazing about the causes of the riots in England. But what are some of the consequences for the rioters?
District judge Tim Devas told a 26 year old man after he had given him a £60 fine and a criminal record: "Let me give you a piece of worldly advice. "Get a life, sort yourself out. Don't you feel ashamed that you are now counted among the hundreds of yobbos arrested and now considered as scum by the public?"
It's amazing how many people offer this same kind of advice to all of us when we hit rock bottom. "Get a life, sort yourself out." And then the guilt trip - "don't you feel ashamed...?" The judge is right - that is worldly advice.
The Gospel shows us a way to "get a life" that is not driven by guilt, but by freedom!
Bible
So if you consider me a partner, welcome [Onesimus] as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. Phil 1:17-20
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, we long for the freedom to see ourselves not through the eyes of others or the 'public', but as you see us in Christ. Thank you that you took our reputation on yourself and gave us your sinless record. Help us to understand who we are in you - this is the life we long to have. Amen
Regards,
Kruger
We are all probably getting a little fed-up for the all the naval gazing about the causes of the riots in England. But what are some of the consequences for the rioters?
District judge Tim Devas told a 26 year old man after he had given him a £60 fine and a criminal record: "Let me give you a piece of worldly advice. "Get a life, sort yourself out. Don't you feel ashamed that you are now counted among the hundreds of yobbos arrested and now considered as scum by the public?"
It's amazing how many people offer this same kind of advice to all of us when we hit rock bottom. "Get a life, sort yourself out." And then the guilt trip - "don't you feel ashamed...?" The judge is right - that is worldly advice.
The Gospel shows us a way to "get a life" that is not driven by guilt, but by freedom!
Bible
So if you consider me a partner, welcome [Onesimus] as you would welcome me. If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. Phil 1:17-20
• Onesimus was an employee of Philemon. It is likely that he had stolen from his boss after which he fled. While hiding from his boss he had remorse about his sin and came to faith in Jesus Christ.
• Here Paul is writing to his boss and telling him to treat him, not like a thief but like a brother - as he would treat Paul.
• This is an example of the life that Christ gives us: we are not treated as our sins deserve, not reminded that we should be ashamed of ourselves and considered as 'scum'. But in Christ believers are treated as sons and daughters of God - on the basis of Jesus' life.
Lord Jesus Christ, we long for the freedom to see ourselves not through the eyes of others or the 'public', but as you see us in Christ. Thank you that you took our reputation on yourself and gave us your sinless record. Help us to understand who we are in you - this is the life we long to have. Amen
Regards,
Kruger
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