Christian Living
After repentance, you often go through a season of strength and dedication. It’s a time when you must engage in proper ‘exercise:’
1 Timothy 4:7 – Exercise thyself rather unto godliness.
Exercising yourself unto godliness brings you closer to God’s character and less like the world’s (or your own sinful nature). If you see professional bodybuilders in the gym, you would realize that they did not grow large muscles overnight. It came with practice, concentration, dedication, commitment, and discipline. In the same manner, it will take the discipline our minds, words, and deeds in order to keep maintain a godly state.
Through the power and grace of God, you can live beyond the revolving sin that seeks to return to your life. You can be free. Trust in the Lord…pray…and commit your ways unto Him.
Photo courtesy of freeimages.com/Nathaniel Dodson
1 Timothy 4:16 – Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
Paul was instructing Timothy as he was to remain in Ephesus to charge the churches concerning doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3). In this first letter, Paul tells him to: take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
As a pastor and leader, the way for him to save his hearers is to first save himself.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
Many of us do not overcome in certain areas because we lack self-discipline. We may gain some ground and get things accomplished, but there seems to be ONE thing (or a few) that keep us from growing. Even as you read these two sentences, that thing (or things) have already come to your mind. That ONE thing stands in your way of greater discipline in the Lord.
1. We have our good days where we’re focused on and point. However, it’s not sustained for a long period of time. We hold up for a day or two, then we slowly slide back into our old habits, traits, and even sins. It is our lack of discipline that keeps us from staying at a consistent level of purpose and focus.
2. The Spirit is always willing, but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41). Even as Jesus spoke to Peter before His betrayal concerning the temptation to await him, there are many that await us as well. Our flesh is weak against the onslaught of temptation. It wants to give into every delicacy to please itself. That’s all it wants – to be pleased and satified. The flesh doesn’t care who it hurts or what it has to do to get it – it just wants what it wants.
But isn’t God suppose to help me?!
3. God will help you, but God will not make you. Many people believe that God will make them live right and put the responsibility on Him. It is His desire that none would be lost (2 Peter 3:9), but many will choose to live outside of His will. Holiness is a choice that we must choose to make, and God will help us make that decision if we choose. For example, read the book of Jonah. God told Jonah to go to a Ninevah to speak to the people and Jonah went the opposite direction. God did many things to get Jonah’s attention, but He did not make him go to Nineveh.
4. Where we are weak, we can call out to the Lord to help us. Paul illustrated this in his second letter to the church in Corinth:
2 Corinthians 12:6-10 – For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
God’s grace is sufficient for us, but many will not want it or call upon Him in the day of temptation/testing. They will give into the temptation as they ‘feel’ or led to believe it is their only course of action, but giving in is not the only choice. We can live for God!
Now, going back to 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul speaks about those that run in a race. The people that run, do so to win the prize that only one of them can receive. In order for them to win the prize, they discipline themselves (and train) so that they have the best opportunity to win. Paul tells the people of Corinth that those people run for an corruptible crown and they should run (their lives of faith) for the incorruptible one.
5. We should not run aimlessly, but keep our bodies under subjection. If we fight aimlessly, we may hit a lot of things, but we will not hit the things we need to with purpose. Our focus is not centered, but scattered, and our chances at winning are lessened. Paul says that he keeps his body under subjection for fear that when he preaches to others, he himself would not be a castaway (from receiving the eternal prize). We must keep our bodies in subjection as well. The flesh does not want to do ‘right,’ and the second you give it an opportunity to stretch, it’s going to run too.
6. Live a disciplined life each day. Many people are not taught to live with discipline. We’re not shown how to live with purpose and on purpose – how to live a disciplined life everyday (or each moment). However, you don’t have to live in the moment with your flesh in charge. Put it back into submission and live in righteousness before God. That ‘thing’ you need to do, you CAN do it!
Make the choice.
Make the decision.
Call on God for help.
Take back your time.
Take back your life.
You only have one to live.
It’s time to work and win the prize. Go get it!
Photo courtesy of CreationSwap/paulcarlson
Matthew 12:36-37 – But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
In Matthew 12:22-37, Jesus healed a demon-possessed man and the Pharisees accused Jesus of casting out devil through the power of Beelzebub (read Matthew 12:22-37 for context). Through this dialogue, Jesus illustrates what the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is, and how we will be give an account of the negative things we say. Think about the negative and useless things you’ve said over the last week. On the day of judgment, you will stand before the Lord and give an account of each of those words. Not only that, but it is by our words that we will be justified or condemned.
In the original translation, the word idle is translated as inactive, lazy, useless, barren, and slow. When writing to the church in Ephesians, Paul admonished the church to use their words for edifying others:
Ephesians 4:29 – Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
We can say many things about many situations each day. Some situations ‘scream’ for you to say something negative or in anger. However, allow the words you speak to build others up rather than tear them down. If you don’t have anything kind to say, don’t say anything.
Remember that the idle words you speak will come back to you when you will stand before the Lord. You will have to account for them. Do not allow the idle words you speak to condemn yo before God. Speak life!
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/BJN
Friendships (and associations) are important to our lives as social beings. They give up opportunities to express ourselves, share our best and worst moments, do things together, etc. Who we choose to be considered a friend (or even an associate) is very important to the success of our own lives.
However, you must be very careful about who you choose to associate with. If you do not, you may find yourself in compromising situations that may change the course of your life forever. You should be cautious in your associations if:
Don’t open your mouth when:
1. In the heat of anger- Proverbs 14:17, [He that is] soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
2. When you don’t have all the facts- Proverbs 18:13, He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
3. When you haven’t verified the story- Deuteronomy 17:6, At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; [but] at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.
Why do I always have to go through trials and temptation? I don’t want to continue facing the same things over and over and over AND OVER again! I just want to be free.
Have you ever felt like that? Have you ever felt like the Apostle Paul when he said that when he wants to do right, sin is right there (Romans 7:21)? OR the things you want to do you don’t do, but the things you don’t want to do, THAT you find yourself doing (Romans 7:15)? Many of us can relate to Paul’s statements of temptation and sin, but we often stop there without going any further. We continue to live in a cycle that goes from temptation-sin-repentance-temptation-sin-repentance and it never seems to stop. We want to get off the merry-go-round, but it doesn’t seem like we ever can. Why do I have to go through this? Why can’t God just take it away because He knows I want to serve Him. If I didn’t have this ‘sin’ issue, I could just run for Him.
There was a man that owned a very nice car. This car was fully loaded and built to his specifications. It was a one-of-a-kind car that had everyone’s head turning. With such a car, this man felt compelled to keep it clean and detail it on a regular basis.
Even though he tried to keep the car clean (rain or shine), he found little problems with the car. Many of the problems were not major, but cosmetic issues that seemed to irk him – which kept him a bit humble. In time, the Lord shared with the man that he was like the car in many ways:
1. Outward Appearances. Many times he dresses himself to present a certain ‘image’ to those passing by, but a detailed view into his life would reveal some not-so-evident flaws that would definitely keep him humble. The man understood that just as his car is ‘flawed’ so is his life in certain areas. The flaws on the car can be fixed with some additional detail just as his life can be renewed through Jesus.
2. Cleaning Up. The man would clean his car for hours at a time. Just as he cleaned his car, such attention should be given to cleaning his life before man and God.
3. Glorification. Nice looking cars gather attention. Just as the car receives attention, the Lord wants the attention drawn to Him. He wants people that pass by to see the man’s life and good works and bring glory to Him. So many times the attention the man receives is for himself (and the car), but he must strive to ensure God receives glory from his life.
Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/flitcroft
Time is a precious gift. Each person receives the same 1,440 minutes each day. Some people have made great use of their time, and others…not so much. There are no returns on time, once it’s spent, it’s spent, but we don’t give it much thought until it’s gone. Many times we regret the time we lost because we didn’t make the best use of it. We invest much of our time in things that will never give us a great return, but we continue to do them out of habit or desire. Then we feel like we let ourselves (and others) down because we knew better…only to do again…and again.
You don’t have to stay on the same path. You can make a decision today…right now to make the most of your time.
Galatians 6:9-10 – And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Take a few moments to think about the greatest investments of time you can make. There are many people and purposes that have an outstanding return when invested in:
Spiritual life. A devotion of time to pray, study, and live out Jesus’ commands is a great investment of your time. Allow your calling (and talents) before the Lord to be the greatest investment you can make (see Matthew 25:14-30 and Luke 19:12-28).
Personal life. Just as you invest in your spiritual life, you must also invest in yourself. As adults, we sometimes forget that we laughed and played as children. Remember to rest as well! Above all, don’t allow your personal life (and desires) to get in the way of your Father’s business.
Relationships. People sometimes forget to invest their time into the people that are closest to them. Ensure you spend time with your family (as a whole) and each member of your family individually. Each of your family members will need a different type of investment. This may be based on THEIR likes, dislikes, and hobbies. You must also invest your time in your friends, co-workers, and those you meet to and fro.
Lastly, some of the greatest investment opportunities will come when you least expect it. Each investment will require flexibility and diligence, so don’t be become upset if you missed your favorite TV show to invest in someone. You can always tape a show, but not a relationship.
Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Flickr.com/junnn. Image covered under Creative Commons License.
Within each of our lives, we are given various responsibilities. Regardless of the type or size, we are entrusted with their upkeep, maintenance, and growth. If you were the oldest child, you may have been given responsibilities to watch over your younger siblings. If you are the manager of a specific office or section, you are given responsibility over those that work under you. If you are a parent, you have the responsibility to build and grow your children while tending to their specific needs. If you are a husband or wife, you have responsibilities to the other.
Too often when we consider the concept of responsibilities, we often think of the CEO of a company or some high and lofty position. However, at almost every level our relationships and work, we are given some commitment of responsibility. Each person can be given multiple levels of responsibility within every area of their lives (i.e. home, work, church, community) and these responsibilities can be considered as a sacred trust.
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