Living a Transformed Life

"45 The good man draws good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the wicked man draws evil things out of his evil treasure; for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 46 Why do you call me Lord, Lord! and do not do what I say? 47 I will show you to whom every man is like who comes to me, hears my words, and does them."

Jesus' words in these verses from Luke 6:45-47 remind us of essential truths to transform our lives and have a positive impact on those around us. They highlight the link between what's in our hearts, what we do, and the importance of living according to His teachings. Here's what we can learn from them:

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1. The heart is the source of our actions and words

 "The good man draws good things from the good treasure of his heart... for it is from the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks." (Luke 6:45).

What we say and do stems from what we have in our hearts. If we nourish our hearts with positive thoughts, God's words, and righteous values, our actions and words will reflect this goodness. However, if our hearts are filled with resentment, anger or envy, it will show in our behaviors.

Life example: A person who meditates daily on the Scriptures and seeks to forgive will be more patient and understanding in his or her relationships. Conversely, someone who broods over negative thoughts will tend to criticize and sow conflict.

Application: Fill your heart with what is good, by reading God's Word, praying, and avoiding negative influences (Philippians 4:8). 

2. Obedience to Jesus is proof of faith

 "Why do you call me Lord, Lord! and do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46).

It's not enough to acknowledge Jesus as Lord through our words; our actions must follow. Obedience is proof that we believe in Him and are committed to living by His teachings.

Life example: A person may say he believes in God, but if he doesn't forgive, doesn't share with the needy, or acts dishonestly in his affairs, his faith becomes incoherent.

Application: Make the decision to practice what Jesus teaches. For example, forgive even when it's hard, help the poor without expecting reward, and be honest in all your relationships (James 1:22).

3. Putting Jesus' words into practice ensures stability in our lives.

"I will show you to whom every man is like who comes to me, hears my words, and does them." (Luke 6:47).

Jesus compares the person who puts His words into practice to a man who builds his house on a solid foundation (Luke 6:48-49). This means that when trials and challenges arise, faith and solid values sustain us.

Life example: An entrepreneur who integrates the principles of justice and integrity into his or her work, even at the expense of a quick buck, will build a lasting reputation and prosper despite economic challenges.

Application: Make sure your actions are based on the teachings of Jesus. Build your life on solid principles like love, truth and justice. 

4. Our actions have an impact on society

What we do in our daily lives reflects what we have learned from God and influences those around us. If we live with integrity, humility, and love, we can be examples that inspire change around us.

Life example: A mother who raises her children with love and discipline, according to biblical values, is forming a responsible next generation. Likewise, an employee who acts with righteousness and diligence can positively influence his or her workplace.

Application: Let your light shine in society. Set an example by your behavior and be an inspiration to others (Matthew 5:16). 

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The Four Principles of Life to Remember

1. Feed your heart with what is good
   What you do and say stems from what fills your heart. Protect it by choosing what is right and noble.
2. Practice obedience
   Don't just listen to Jesus' teachings, live them actively in your daily life.
3. Built on a solid foundation
   Make God's Word the main guide for your decisions and actions, to weather the storms of life.
4. Be a light for others
   Through your righteous actions, you can inspire and positively influence society and future generations.

 Transforming Lives for Lasting Impact

These verses teach us that our hearts, our words and our actions are linked. To live a life aligned with God's will and be a transformative force in society, we must :

• Feed our hearts with good things,
• Obey Jesus' teachings,
• Putting these principles into practice in our working lives.

In this way, we become instruments in God's hands to bless the world around us. "Be practitioners of the word, not self-deceived listeners". (James 1:22).

Shalom!