Fw: spiritual math

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Rob Smith <toanosmith@yahoo.com>
To: Rob Smith <rsmith@mycwa.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 2, 2017 7:11 AM
Subject: spiritual math

1 Corinthians 1:¹⁰ I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

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When it comes to the Gospel there are some important mathematical principles.  The first one is: "Division prevents multiplication".  If we, as believers allow pride and difference to separate and pit one believer against another than their energy isn't focused upward or outward and they cannot co-labor and their interest is not on reaching out to others.  But this leads to the next math principle: "One is greater than two".  I know, it sounds a little off, but unity or oneness calls for sacrifice and the setting aside of personal agendas to reflect a common love for the living God.  The world doesn't know how to explain or oppose two who have joined as one because it is a picture of selflessness that runs contrary to the theme that self is always to be exalted. 

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The next math principle is "infinite forgiveness equals eternal love".  Jesus taught the disciples that we must be willing to forgive up to "seventy times seven", or some believe this means "seven to the seventh power" because that is how our father forgives us.

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In Matthew 18 we learn that "one is greater than ninety-nine", when the good shepherd leaves the ninety-nine who are already safe in the flock to go after the one sheep that has strayed.

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"The power of two or three" is a great principle as, from Matthew 18 again (verse 20) we learn that "where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."

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One more principle is: "Personal subtraction can lead to kingdom addition".  In Matthew 16:24, Jesus said, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  For whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."

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Those are just a few spiritual math principles...we'll see if we can add a few more...

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blessings,

Rob Smith