Hebrews and self-reflection

This time of year is a good time for self-reflection.  I tend to think back on the past year, as well as what may lie ahead in the new one to come.

I’ve been reading through the book of Hebrews.  I have loved learning more about this book and the valuable lessons in it.  One section caught my attention recently and it offers the reader a chance for self-reflection in regards to one’s own Christian life.

“Keep on loving each other as brothers.  Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.  Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves are suffering.  Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.  Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.’  So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?’”  -Hebrews 13:1-6

The study on Hebrews I’m doing referred to these things as “five essential marks of the Christian life.”  I took a moment to write it down in a shortened version so I can refer to it often and quickly.  1) Love one another, especially other Christians.  2)  Be hospitable.  3)  Be sympathetic and helpful – particularly to those in prison, as well as those oppressed and suffering.  4) Guard marriage/be pure in sexual matters.  5)  Be content with what you have.

As we begin a new year and I continue to press on towards spiritual maturity, I plan to keep these things in mind.  Thank you for letting me share my thoughts as I study God’s word.  I encourage you to do the same.

Many Blessings to you in 2012,

Melissa