"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus." Titus 2:11-13
More and more it seems that the "battle lines" between Christianity and secular society are being drawn. Views that used to be held by the majority have reversed polarity and now stand opposed to many traditional Christian values. Worse, there are those who place a foot on both sides of the line, claiming Christianity on one hand but adopting worldly views and behaviors on the other. Though this may be distressing to some, let it be known that there should be a difference between those who are the children of God and those who are not. That difference should be able to seen in behavior and readily apparent to all who observe carefully. This is not to say that we are "better" than others who don't share our faith or that we should walk around evaluating one another, but that the things we choose to say and do should be indicative of our membership in the family of God and its inherent beliefs. Regardless of what was thought about Jesus, the fact that he healed the sick, fed the hungry, preached love, reached out to the poor and hopeless, and helped those in need (rather than judge them) was undeniable to all who observed him. One need not necessarily have believed in him to be benefited by him. Even his enemies dealt very carefully with him so as not to incite an insurrection against themselves by the recipients of his goodness.
Beloved we are called to be the presence of the Lord on earth. Jesus has said to us and of us, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" Matt 5:14-16. The light that comes from him yet shines through his own is to be a beacon to those who are seeking love, truth, peace and salvation. Let us not ever send mixed messages. Let us not equivocate. Let us not be confused with those who do not know God. We should strive to be different because, through His grace, we are different. Let that difference attract others even as it did when The Light shone among men.
Committed,
Lee
1 comment:
This is a powerful thought, Lee. I know I've suggested this before in conversation, but when God truly dwells in us, our behavior can't help but be different. The things that God abhors should offend us as well, and there should be little doubt as to what constitutes right and wrong. Does it logically follow that when we allow such things into our lives, God is driven out? We know how Jesus cried out for his Father when he took on the sins of the world; God couldn't coexist with our sin in Jesus's life, and the Lord felt forsaken as a result. The same should apply to us!
Gryf
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