08/02/2024
Our inward character is indicative of the success which the teaching and presence of Jesus Christ has had on our lives. The redemptive and life changing power of Jesus works within us to alter our character and produce a more faithful, righteous, and pure person. Is this what we see occurring within ourselves, or has the fallen world become our friend, and influencer?
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
Titus 2:13-14 KJV
When our character begins to change within us, everything about the outward portrayal of our Christian walk changes as well, and we begin to shine into the darkness of the world. Although there is an inward benefit to prayer and faith, we are not meant to simply hold those blessings tight to our breast, but to let them shine into the world and begin to change the lives of all those we come into contact with.
“Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:15-16 KJV
I remember many things my mother taught me, but one of the best and most useful lessons was "a man is known by the company he keeps." She would then follow that advice by saying "choose your friends wisely." You see, those around us can impact our lives in negative ways, or, if we choose our companions wisely... Positive ways. This is especially true when we decide to befriend Jesus and spend our time with Him and within the Word of God. His influence changes our lives for the better and then, through us, changes the lives of those who have wisely chosen us to be their friend.
As a parent I have attempted to instill this same lesson into my own children. Just as I was in my youth they were often drawn toward the excitement and thrill of being with friends that live worldly lives. It is much like Pinocchio and the land of toys, or as Disney branded it... “Pleasure Island”. It all seems so wonderful from a distance, but as we draw near we suddenly realize that this behavior has consequences. Too often we don't come to realize the negative change that is occurring within us until we are facing one of the consequences... Then, like Pinocchio, we want to go home to our parents and to Jesus. How often have we each prayed for help after making a bad choice in our lives that was the result of a negative influence that someone has had on us?
Christ changes us, and one of the benefits of that change is discernment. Through discernment we can see the good and bad in others, and in situations. This discernment allows us to choose our friends and activities wisely and to not stray from the truest of our friends... Jesus Himself.
Join me this morning as I pray that we choose our friends and activities wisely. Join me in prayer that the Word of God will influence our lives so completely that it will form a shield of positive character in and around us that keeps the world's temptations at bay. Through joint prayer and fellowship we are helping each other harden the character changes which have been instilled within us by faith; we are forming a spiritual wall that is strong and impenetrable. We are being wise and righteous friends... One to another.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for calling us into prayer, which then leads us to befriend you, and your Son Jesus Christ. Thank you for being our God, and our good friend who changes our behavior, character, and lives, in positive and righteous ways. Help us Lord to distance ourselves from the negative influences of the world, and the sin that resides there... teach us that those who live fallen lives, and worship the pleasures of the world, are not our friends, but are the enemies of our faith and righteousness instead, and that they will erode our love for you, as they drag us into misery, and sin. Help us Holy Father to choose our friends wisely, and more than anything else, to call your Son Jesus our friend, and be worthy of being called a friend by him. Shield us from the sin and temptation that is in the world, and help us to see the wolves in sheep’s clothing who reside there, and who attempt to convince us that they have our best interests at heart, and that they are our friends. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who desires to befriend us, but needs us to be redeemed, and cleansed by the blood of His Son Jesus first, so that we will be worthy, and can be a friend which He would choose wisely for Himself. Have mercy on us Lord, and pour out your grace upon us. Let our lives be transformed in Christ, and we will give you all the glory and honor that a friend can have, and love you with all our hearts, minds, souls, and strength.
Amen, Amen, Amen
“No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”
John 15:15-16 ESV
Rich Forbes