July 13, 2018

“Vices or Virtues?”

Vices or virtues – which will define your life?  While yielding to vices is easy, developing virtues is hard work.  Contrary to popular opinion, aging doesn’t automatically make us more like Jesus. Aging is like a magnifying glass, it points out where we’ve resisted God’s transformation in earlier years.  This all reminds me of King Solomon, a man who was given unusual wisdom, incredible wealth, and great opportunities.  However, in his older years, he turned from the Lord, made foolish decisions, and ended up ship-wrecking his life. Solomon yielded to vice rather than virtue.  Being influenced by the world, he fell in love with it and, in short time, became conformed to it. Remember this – you will ultimately resemble what you ultimately love.  In his old age, Solomon failed miserably because he loved vice more than virtue. As we age, we are to discard old vices and to develop new virtues!  And, according to 2 Peter 1:3-5a, we can do just that. By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence.  And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. I hope you’ll join us this Sunday for the third message in our five-part series, “Aging Matters.”  For those over 50, I hope you’ll join us at 8:45 AM in the fellowship hall for Sunday School.  We’ve enjoyed great crowds and have had a wonderful time of fellowship and learning. Choosing virtue, pastor jamie