The Bottom Line

THE BOTTOM LINE

 

This expression is usually used in reference to financial matters, regarding the value of your estate etc. But I believe it can equally well be used when we consider our "spiritual condition", how is our bottom line spiritually? We often think of our soul's condition when we think of spiritual things, you know the usual question pertains to "are you lost or saved", and what is your eternal destiny, heaven or hell? These are definitely important matters to consider, and make certain choices, which will decide where you will spend eternity. But I'm thinking of something quite different, in previous generations people used expressions like "the crucified life" or "the overcoming life". These terms are never used today to describe our life as a follower of Jesus, and I wonder why. In the book of Revelation we read about certain churches that Jesus told John to write to like (Rev 2:12-17), and notice in verse 17 "Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what He is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give some of the manna that has been hidden away in heaven. And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it".

 

The letter is written to the "church", but the promise is given to certain individuals within in the church who "have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying". So in other words not everyone in the church really hears and understands what the Spirit is speaking. I expect this is true in every church today as well, so not all are "over comers", and will not receive the promises meant only for those who overcome. God is sovereign and can hand out promises to whomever he chooses. So if we want to be the recipients of His promises to the over comers, we better consider carefully what all is involved. Read (Matt 7:22-23) to see that not all who claim certain gifts will qualify in judgment day. I would suggest we read more from our hero's of past generations like Andrew Murray, Dwight Moody, A.B.Simpson etc. to see what they taught about holiness and sanctification. Their topics were often on living the victorious, dedicated life "In Christ". If it was possible then, it should still be possible today, because "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb 13:8), and we can do all things through Him. The "Bottom Line" for our spiritual life is simply "Jesus living His life through us daily". Give it a try and watch it work!!

Sincerely submitted.

Dave Jamer                                        01/11/14