You were shown these things so that you might know that the LORD is God; besides him there is no other. (Deut 4:35)
It is time to put the focus on doing what is right, what is good, what is expected of us. It is time to walk away from the anger and the contempt that fills the soul by those who profess to follow Jesus and do not. It is time to stand up and be counted.
What makes you different from all of those around you? Is it your height or weight? Is it the color of your eyes? Is it the amount of money you have in the bank or the expensive clothing you wear? The answer is very easy - it is none of these things. We came into this world naked and that is how we will leave. Yes, they dress you when they put you in the casket, but you do not take that body to heaven with you. Once it's dead - that's it - it's dead. It's discarded like any other useless item you no longer need. It is left behind (as is your money and your reputation and your accomplishments). The only thing that goes on to meet the Father is your soul...is it prepared???
The company you keep often determines the life you live. If you hang out with drunks and drug addicts, you begin to think and act as they do, and no matter how "strong" you think you are, the possibility of becoming one of them is statistically greater for you than for those who do not. If you run in circles with sexually immoral and valueless people, you will take on the characteristics of the same. If you allow those who have no respect for you to continue to badger and belittle you, eventually you will have little or no respect for yourself - and without respect for yourself, you can have no respect for God!
"Moses urged God's authority over them, and their obligations to him. In keeping God's commandments they would act wisely for themselves. The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom. Those who enjoy the benefit of Divine light and laws, ought to support their character for wisdom and honour, that God may be glorified thereby. Those who call upon God, shall certainly find him within call, ready to give an answer of peace to every prayer of faith." (Matthew Henry)
Walk in the shadow of the King, not in the shadow of man. Your neighbor's shadow will disappear (as will yours) when the sun sets...the Shadow of God is always present...
