Commentary on "The Atmosphere of Praise"

TERRY MIRRA

 

Day 4: Tuesday, May 18, 2010

 

OVERVIEW

This section does pose the question, “What is the link between life and breath?” The verses given attest to the fact that God does hold our life and breath in His control. The rest of the commentary is merely about health, science and the environment.

 

OBSERVATIONS

While all of this is very interesting on a health and scientific level, I fail to see how this is related to an “atmosphere of praise”. Most people (including unbelievers) know these scientific facts hailing the benefits of fresh air and a clean environment. In fact, unbelievers often take the health and environmental issues to an extreme, as they don’t believe or understand the role of God and redemption in the big picture. While we’re stewards of both, neither should become a god, of sorts. Sin, decay and dying will always be a part of our lives as long as we live in a fallen world. These things will only be perfect when creation (our bodies included) is made new.

“But have nothing to do with irreverent and silly myths. Rather, train yourself in godliness, for, the training of the body has a limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (1 Tim. 4:7, 8)

It seems self-centered to strive to attain a certain physical environment for praise, as this is not our calling as Christians. According to Matt. 28:16-20, we are commissioned to go out into the world and spread the gospel. Using Jesus’ example when He was on earth, our goal shouldn’t be to improve our health (as our first priority), but to go out (often into the worst environmental and physical conditions) to spread God’s Word and help others. The primary focus should always be on the gospel. Our “atmosphere of praise” is a natural by-product (or fruit) from a changed heart—one doesn’t have to create it, as it can happen anywhere under any conditions. Only with the Holy Spirit can we truly praise God, as our hearts are His and are eager to exalt our Redeemer.

“Therefore through Him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of our lips that confess His name.” (Heb. 13:15)

 

CONCLUSIONS

1. Clean air is beneficial for good physical health, but shouldn’t be the first priority for a Christian.
2. Godliness is eternal, but physical training/health has a limited benefit (1 Tim. 4:7, 8).
3. As Christians, we should remember our commission to go out into the world to spread the gospel—often in the worst environmental and physical conditions.
4. Our praise is a natural by-product (or fruit) of a changed heart –one doesn’t have to create it, as it can happen anywhere under any conditions—continually!
5. Only with the Holy Spirit can we truly praise God, as our hearts are His and are eager to exalt our Redeemer.

 

 

GO TO DAY 5

 

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