In the physical realm illnesses are most often represented by certain detectable manifestations that we commonly refer to as symptoms. By observing the symptoms it's often possible for those we count on in the medical fields to determine the root source of our presenting maladies and then either suggest or render a cure.
I believe that beyond the limited, physical existence we're experiencing in life in this world, the very real consequences of a spiritual illness infecting our eternal spirits can have far more dire implications. Of course I'm not a doctor. I'm really just a friend, a curious life participant, observer and follower of Christ hoping to provoke a little thought and introspection. But even in light of a lack of glowing human credentials, I still propose that it might sometimes be possible to begin to pinpoint the root source of a predominant, less than positive life outlook to a possible spiritual malady.
If a person's outward expressions and expectations tend to be continually negative, I have a personal tendency to wonder where it is that they've placed or misplaced their hope ... or whether hope is even present at all.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines hope the following way: "to cherish a desire with anticipation :to want something to happen or be true"
A very wise man (King Solomon) once said of hope: "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life." (Proverbs 13:12 NLT)
If we break his statement down just a little, we realize that a sick heart is the symptom in his statement and the postponement or the putting off of hope is the root cause and I believe there's a cure.
I think of the "Hopeless" as those who've not placed their faith in Christ (yet) and remain outside of the life that Father God intended for them from before they were even born. They likely see this decaying, sin infected world and life as all that they have to look forward to. They have reason to be miserable and discontent with life. They're either unaware of, or have rejected their one hope (Christ) to gain forgiveness for the burden of sin that follows them relentlessly. They're chained to their past and moving toward a future of judgment, possibly even while they deny it. They're betraying the very purpose that they were created for and are living this life in a way that isn't the way it was intended. They're depriving themselves of the wealth of relationship with the Creator and the future destiny of eternity in His presence. They're Hopeless. But this surely isn't you.
The "Hopeful". I think of these people as those who've heard the gospel and have responded in obedience to accept Christ as their savior, their hope for a future destiny in Heaven ... and are comfortable to just sit at the starting point just inside the gate. They may not see the Father's hand in their life because they're not really looking for it. They may feel that they have all they need and are comfortable to just sit right where they are. But if that's the case, they're not realizing that God's intention is to have a living, life giving, relationship with them.
There can be many causes for some just settling for being hopeful. Life can be rough sometimes and I think that it can be easy for us to let our eternal focus become harried, tainted and narrowed down to a world smudged view. If we're not diligent to keep the lens of the eyes of our heart clean and properly aimed, our perspective of life has a tendency to become far too nearsighted in the midst of a vast eternal reality - losing sight of the glorious big picture... and that would be a troubled and unfulfilling view.
The merely hopeful may not feel an awesome presence parenting and guiding them through this portion of life here on earth. They may not feel the refining work of the Holy Spirit alive in them - changing them - sometimes little by little and sometimes in big and wonderful ways. It could be perhaps because they're ignoring Him or refused to submit to Him. But whatever the cause, they can't know how much they're missing and denying themselves the very thing that they were created for - or they'd lean into Him anxiously seeking His will to be done in them and in their lives. It's possible that some may only look to or refer to their faith when it's convenient for their own purposes. A living and intimate relationship with each of us is what Father God is seeking. He's extended the offer of grace and reconciliation to all of us.The whole of His word gives us more than enough cause to know what He wants from us and desires to give us, but the hopeful remain hopeful and hope that it's enough. They can't know what they're missing.
The Apostle Paul made the following statement about hope in Christ in 1 Corinthians 15:19 (NLT) "And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world."
Theologian John Wesley said this in reference to Paul's statement: "If in this life only we have hope - we look for nothing beyond the grave. But if we have a divine evidence of things not seen, if we have "a hope full of immortality," if we now taste of "the powers of the world to come," and see "the crown that fadeth not away, then, notwithstanding all our present trials, we are more happy than all men."
... and that eternal perspective and hope of immortality my friends will express itself through some overwhelmingly positive symptoms.
Something to keep in mind as we travel through this temporary existence - the continuing or progressive process of sanctification (becoming transformed into the image of Christ). We're justified through our faith in Christ (initial salvation), but that's really only just the beginning.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
By continually revisiting and reminding ourselves of all that our Father God has promised us through Christ, His Son, we're being faithful to keep our eye on the eternal prize (Christ) and the inheritance we have through Him. But there's more. As we familiarize ourselves with our God and what He's graciously told us through His word and submit to Him, we're also being nurtured, corrected and admonished by the Holy Spirit to become a better reflection of Christ's image as we submit ourselves to His work in us. And when that becomes a true and continuing relational effort, it's both life and outlook changing!
I think of the "Hopefilled" as those people actively seeking and walking in submission to their Creator in an intimate and living relationship continually. They've felt the presence of the Living God and there's no question mark left on their hope. For them, there's no possible thought of turning back as they continue to submit themselves and everything in them to Him. For them, faith and belief have become confident knowledge and their days are never walked without the knowledge of His living presence. Our hope is in Christ. Therefore if we are in Christ and Christ is in us, we are filled with hope...
The hopefilled know that what may be happening to them in the moment is only a momentary occurrence and doesn't change a thing in regard to God's promises, His intention toward us, or our future destiny if we're in Christ. What the world may do and what the world may say about us are completely meaningless if they're not aligned with God's plans for us or with what He's said about us. That's the reality and the unwavering, constant assurance we have if we're in Christ. The hopefilled know that this life is only the beginning and are actively walking through it with the One that gave it toward the eternal glory of the next.
As followers of Christ, we've made a declaration that we've placed our hope and trust in Him and in all that He's promised. We know also that the very hope we've placed in Him is secure - He's already secured our place in eternity because He rose (past tense) victorious . So with that in mind the goal of our hope is guaranteed - no matter what happens here ... we win! That in itself is reason for abundant joy, but the reasons for our joy don't stop there. Walking in relationship with our Lord is a rewarding joy in itself and one that those who don't share that relationship with Him would be very challenged to fully understand.
Hebrews 12:18-24 (NLT)
18 "You have not come to a physical mountain, to a place of flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind, as the Israelites did at Mount Sinai. 19 For they heard an awesome trumpet blast and a voice so terrible that they begged God to stop speaking. 20 They staggered back under God’s command: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.” 21 Moses himself was so frightened at the sight that he said, “I am terrified and trembling.” 22 No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering. 23 You have come to the assembly of God’s firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God himself, who is the judge over all things. You have come to the spirits of the righteous ones in heaven who have now been made perfect. 24 You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance like the blood of Abel."
... And this is speaking of you - your hope, your reality and destiny in Christ. We have the opportunity to step into and fully accept the invitation to walk closely in awesome, intimate relationship with the sovereign, omnipotent God of the universe. Why would anyone reject that invitation and remain "Hopeless" or settle for standing just inside the gateway of salvation - "Hopeful" that they've satisfied at least minimally, Father God's purpose for them when they haven't even pressed in to touch the prize?
As for myself, I'll borrow the words of a brother in 1 Corinthians 15:55 (NLT):"O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? ”
I am filled with hope my Lord because of the amazing and awesome wealth and privilege of walking with you and coming to know you intimately by your invitation of grace through Christ Jesus! You are God and your selflessness, your love, your generocity and humility astound me! I am forever grateful to even know you, but also for so much more!
Micah 6:8 (NLT) "No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."
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