Remember (and Do) the Contrary!

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8-9

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them… Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all… Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:14,16-17,19-21

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal… 

“Do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For… your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:19-20,31-33

The Holy Spirit inspired practical admonitions for the New Testament writers. Knowing well the heart of men, He identified what comes naturally, then issued clear instructions for the contrary. The Lord clearly doesn’t want His children to settle for inborn status quo, but to strive for the contrary holy He’s making them to be. (1 Peter 1:13-16)

When left to ourselves, we gravitate to selfish living- decisions, attitudes, impulses. Doing what comes naturally is usually an affront to God. Consistent exposure to God’s word saturates mind and heart with the opposite: His will for His children. The better we know the Bible, the more intimately we know Him, the more familiar we are with His statutes and promises, and the more acutely aware we are of where and how we wander astray. Aligning desire and impulses with His takes discernment and Spirit-fueled discipline. His word is powerful to pierce and expose, but will have its way only as we yield to its parameters. Christ died in the flesh so we could die to its passions. (2 Kings 22:8-11; 23:1-3; Nehemiah 8:8-9; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Peter 4:1-2)

How often are we availing ourselves of God’s pure word and washing? Is this a rote exercise or a thoughtful practice? When we come eager and willing to be changed, it will have potent sway.

What natural but godless motivations or behavior is the Lord pointing out today? Are we discerning enough to recognize them, and courageous enough to confess and renounce? If repentance involves turning around, what will we instead deliberately put on as a correct ‘contrary’ that reflects God’s character, that honors Him and others? How are we practically applying what the scriptures teach? In what situations do we need to?

Lord, give me resolve and courage to name what displeases You and to joyfully do the contrary, by Your grace and for Your glory.