Mike Peek’s Blog: The Nurse Theologian

"In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew.7.12.NASB)

The single consistent quality a believer exhibits, that I find throughout all scripture, and by direct observation of those who follow Christ Jesus year after year is one of selflessness. The single quality the world exhibits consistently that I find throughout all scripture and by direct observation is Narcissism. “Narcissism: (noun) an exceptional interest in an admiration for yourself.” (Wolfram Alpha) Narcissistic behavior would therefore be characterized as: egotistical, egomaniacal, self-absorbed, self-centered, self-concerned, self-infatuated, self-interested, self-involved, selfish, self-loving, self-obsessed, self-oriented, self-preoccupied, self-regarding, self-seeking, self-serving. 

Bottom line, the world is selfish! We were all born selfish; we were selfish from our mother’s womb. Christ Jesus is the only man born without …

I am often asked; “What are the results of your preaching?” My favorite movie is “Facing the Giants”. There are many great quotes in that movie; two of which especially stand out:

“Your actions will always follow your beliefs.”

“I resolve to give God everything I’ve got and I will leave the results up to Him.”

This statement made by the Lord; “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John.14.15.NASB) is often very badly misinterpreted one of two ways:

1. There are those who completely ignore this passage; thinking that they can live life however they see fit.

2. There are those who focus on this passage; thinking that they must prove their love for Christ by keeping His commandments.

Neither of these is true!

Keeping the commandments of Christ is not obligatory; it is the natural byproduct of your love for Him. The Lord is stating a fact, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” This isn’t a call to make a list of the commandments of Jesus, so that you can be su…