Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

1 Thessalonians 2:8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

Romans 5:1,2,5 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

If the abiding love of God does not touch the lives of those around you, what are you to think?

Rather than judge yourselves too harshly, let us look at the process and see if we understand the effectiveness of the gospel.

First we are justified by faith.

Second being justified we have peace with God.

Third being at peace with God we have a right standing before God, righteousness.

Fourth we have access to God.

Fifth we have hope.

Sixth we are not ashamed.

Seventh, because we are not ashamed, we reflect the love of God.

None of this happens instantly. Even the first step, justified by faith takes time to soak in and believe it is true. It isn’t that we don’t believe in God so much as we don’t believe in ourselves.

The biggest hindrance to effective affection is self-doubt. “How can I?”

Psalm 19:9-11 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

This takes time and practice.

Matthew 8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

In recent years much has been said about preachers who live in million dollar mansions. I will not judge the choices of another. I don’t care where you live or what car you drive, or the clothes you wear, or the watches and rings you own. They are but things.

Rather than looking at Matthew 8:20 as an example of how the perfect man lived, see why He said what He said and to whom He spoke.

Matthew 8:19 And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

Jesus looked into the heart of the scribe and spoke directly to the issue that would prevent this man from following Him. Jesus did not care about the man’s history, role, title, robes, but challenged the man to examine his faith in the face of personal comfort. What things keep you from following Jesus?

Numbers 14:21-24 But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord. Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice; Surely they shall not see the land which I sware unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me see it: But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.

Don’t let things stop you from hearkening to His voice and following Him.