Knowing God's Instructions

The Des Moines Register carried an article and review of a new book by John Izzo, “The Five Secrets You Must Discover Before You Die.” The article noted that that the author interviewed two Iowans in his research. From a practical standpoint, it is helpful to filter life and current culture—including the multitude of books that are published, through the grid of what the Bible says. This aids in recognizing the intersection of faith and life. Consider Izzo’s “Five Secrets” in light of what the Bible teaches.

Secret #1: Be true to yourself. The author says you should have the discipline to listen to your heart to find out what makes you happy and the courage to follow that path and make it a priority. Examine how God contrasts Izzo’s secret in Genesis 6.5 and Matthew 16.24.

Secret #2: Leave No Regrets. Izzo teaches that when faced with a decision, you should think of yourself as an old woman sitting in a rocking chair near the end of life and ask yourself: What decision do I wish I had made? At the end of life you won’t regret risks you took. Measure this secret against Philippians 4.6; Ephesians 5.1; and, 1 Peter 2.21.

Secret #3: Become Love. The author claims that people who “become love” look at love as a choice rather than an emotion. Choose to become a loving person by loving yourself, eliminating self-critical thoughts and then making loving relationships with others a priority by not being critical. Reflect on these instructions in Matthew 22.39 and Ephesians 4.32.

Secret #4: Live the Moment. Izzo claims it is important to live fully in each moment, not looking back or forward or judging each moment, but being alive in each moment with gratitude. Consider this biblical measurement in Colossians 3.1-4.

Secret #5: Give More Than You Take. Last, Izzo encourages you to find a connection with others that is outside yourself, not focusing on finding personal happiness, love, fame and fortune, but in acts that improve the lives of others. Explore these commands in Romans 12.10; Philippians 2.3; and, Acts 20.35.

Relationships In the Church

Researchers like George Barna have noted that as our society has become more advanced technologically, we have become more disconnected.

The disengagement our fast-passed culture creates runs counter to everything we know and feel as human beings, and as Christians. Henry Cloud, in Changes that Heal, writes: Relationship [or connection], then, is at the foundation of God’s nature. Since we are created in his likeness, relationship is our most fundamental need, the very foundation of who we are. Without relationship, without attachment to God and others, we can’t be our true selves. We can’t be truly human.

As our church has explored a number of arenas in which we make choices to help us grow spiritually, we recently examined the context of being Family Centered.

Being Family Centered means making choices in my life that are consistent with my design to live and grow in vital relationships, including marriage, family, and biblical community.

More than 50 times in the New Testament, God gives us instructions on how to relate to others in the spiritual community. This list includes:

Be at peace with each other. (Mark 9:50)

Wash one another’s feet. (John 13:14)

Love one another. (John 13:34-35; 15:12, 17; Romans 13:8;1 Thessalonians 3:12; 4:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; Hebrews 10:24; 1 Peter 1:22; 4:8;1 John 3:11, 23; 4:7, 11, 12; 2 John 5)

Be members of one another. (Romans 12:5)

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. (Romans 12:10)

Honor one another above yourself. (Romans 12:10)

Live in harmony with one another. (Romans 12:16)

Edify one another. (Romans 14:19)

Accept one another, just as Christ accepted you. (Romans 15:7)

Instruct one another. (Romans 15:14)

Greet one another with a holy kiss. (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20;2 Corinthians 13:12)

When you come together to eat, wait for each other. (1 Corinthians 11:33)

Have equal concern for each other. (1 Corinthians 12:25)

Serve one another in love. (Galatians 5:13)

Carry each other’s burdens. (Galatians 6:2)

Be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other. (Ephesians 4:32)

Speak to one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. (Ephesians 5:19)

Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:21)

In humility consider others better than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3)

Bear with each other and forgive one another. (Colossians 3:13)

Teach and admonish one another. (Colossians 3:16)

Make your love increase and overflow for each other. (1 Thessalonians 3:12)

Encourage each other. (1 Thessalonians 4:18; 5:11, 14; Hebrews 3:13; 10:25)

Spur one another on toward love and good deeds. (Hebrews 10:24)

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other. (James 5:16)

Live in harmony with one another. (1 Thessalonians 5:13; 1 Peter 3:8)

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. (1 Peter 4:9)

Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others. (1 Peter 4:10)

Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another. (Romans 5:21; 1 Peter 5:5)

Fellowship with one another. (I John 1:7)

These instructions lead us into deep personal relationships, to that intimate connection and care that is a part of authentic biblical community.

God’s design is that we live in relationship with other believers. A great next step is to explore the list and determine one way you can establish or further a relationship in the spiritual community that will help you continue to grow spiritually.