01/28/2020
We should ask ourselves each day, and often during that, whether we are being wooed away from our faith by the world. It is good for us to begin and end each day praying, that is, to rise every morning, and take to our bed each night, reaffirming our faith. But, how is our belief being shown to the world around us as we go about our waking hours? Does the carnal world, and all those in it, see us strong in light of our faith, or as just another traveler in life like the unbelievers... like themselves.
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”
Colossians 2:6-7 ESV
When I was a boy I was a Cub Scout, and then a Boy Scout, and I loved wearing my uniform. During my years in elementary school I would get excited at the prospect of wearing it to school on Scout Day. I wanted everyone to know I was a Scout.
Then something happened... it started when I was in middle school and some of the other kids began making fun of us for wearing our uniforms. For a while I resisted their taunts, but finally I quit participating in Scout Day altogether, and would only wear my uniform to our weekly meetings, and on scouting events like camp outs and hikes.
“For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”
Luke 9:26 ESV
It can be similar in our faith. We find Jesus and are thrilled as we tell everyone about Him, but eventually the everyday world begins to beat on our faith until we find ourselves wearing the uniform of faith in the privacy of church or to faith events only. We begin walking in our days dressed like every unbeliever, and tolerating the sin around us. Have you ever been in a group at work, or even a social setting, that didn’t believe in Jesus, and found yourself behaving more like them than a person of faith? How did this make you feel? When you pray thanksgiving over your meal at home, but not in a public restaurant, do you feel alright with that... or does it convict you?
“For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."”
Mark 8:38 ESV
We should behave in the world as we behave in church. We can call this works, obedience, or whatever we like, but it is living a consistent life of faith wherever we are. Revelation speaks of a consistency of faith, and the disappointment of God when our relationship with Him is not steadfast. He expresses Himself in these words...
“"'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”
Revelation 3:15-16 ESV
So how are we living out our faith, and do we even examine ourselves so that we might realize we are living a dual life? Sometimes we do things a certain way for so long that we accept them without question. We thank God for our meal at home, but not in a restaurant, and do this for so long that it seems natural... acceptable. Perhaps we have convinced ourselves that telling a white lie is not really a sin, or that not praying for someone who has asked us to is alright because after all... they think we are. Living two lives is not acceptable to God; worldly lives and spiritual lives are not meant to be lived together... we are transformed in faith... not conformed in such a way that we mold our new and old selves so that they can abide together within us.
“O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch. For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers.”
Psalms 5:3-5 ESV
So, is it time in your life to re-examine yourself, and ask some hard questions regarding the steadfastness of your faith, and the faithfulness of your relationship with God? Is it time to look into the mirror on Sunday, and again during your work week, to see who is looking back? Are they the same person, different, or some variation? Make today the day when you wear your faith all the day long.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for you unwavering love For me, and for your expectation regarding my love for you. Help me Lord to be true to you in my faith. Let my mornings, days, and nights, of faith be the same... perfect in your sight. Holy Spirit guide me through the narrow straights between sin, and unfaithfulness so that I might be like Jesus in both thought and deed. Pray for me Lord Jesus... interceding for me before your Heavenly Father, as you pour Your blood, and His grace over me. Keep me steadfast in my faith, and steady in my walk through life... forever faithful in all things, and all ways. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who cannot abide sin in any measure. Praised be your name for my transformation from sinner to righteous child through your Son Jesus. Great are you whose Holy Spirit points out my shortcomings, and leads me to understand, and obey always, your will in every aspect of my life and being. All glory is yours Lord and I thank you as you have mercy on me, and make me pure through your perfect grace. Hear my prayers Father as I pray for myself, and all those around me, asking that we be found steadfast and not lukewarm in our love for you, and in our walk with Jesus. Father, I praise your name now, and forevermore!
“For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.”
Revelation 3:17-18 ESV
Rich Forbes