In the early church people were in need. Yet some Christians did not hold the proper attitude in helping those who were needy (Acts 5:1-4). Yes, there are things over which we have power. We have control over a great many things.
Things within our power:
Our lives
Many don't understand or accept this fact. Many feel that life has dealt them a bad hand and see this as a reason to simply give up control of their lives. It was once said that life is like a grindstone - it either polishes you up or it grinds you down. Of course it all depends on the material that you use. We are not always in control of our lives as we should be. It is not God's fault if this happens - it is our own fault.Our children
It is within the parents' power to direct and train their children. Do we aim our children in the right direction, as the archer aims his arrows? (Psalms 127:4)Our talents and abilities
God has given each of us a degree of talent. Are we recognizing our abilities? Too many talents are lying dormant in Christians lives. When is the last time we have looked for some new talent and been willing to cultivate that talent? We are admonished to grow in our abilities. Growth is seen in the exercise of our talents. In regard to our talents, how do we stand now compared to the day we first became Christians?Our bodies
Our bodies are our own, and yet they are not our own! (1 Corinthians 6:19,20) Our bodies are only on loan to us for a short time. What will we choose to do with our bodies? Will we present our bodies as living sacrifices to God? (Romans 12:1,2)Our money
We all have a relationship with our money. Some fail to see that their money is not really theirs, but that they are actually stewards of that money for God. The disadvantage to having money is not in the having of it but rather in the potential failure to use it properly. Whatever amount of money you may have, are you using it for God? Spiritually speaking, what will you have your money to do for you? What will you have your money to do to you?Our influence
What you do and say will "flow" ("influence") to those around you. Not one of us can escape influencing others, nor can we avoid being influenced by others. Our influence is with us for life. We need to realize our need to use it for the good of others.Our souls
Though you possess a physical body, your soul is the real you. Your soul is the part of you that is eternal. Even so, right now your soul is within your power. It is up to you to secide where your soul will spend eternity. Decide wisely!
Acts 5:1-4
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
2 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?
4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.Psalms 127:4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
1 Corinthians 6:19,20
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.Romans 12:1,2
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
