Joshua 1:8
"...[B]ut you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Joshua 1:8).
"You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me." (John 5:39).
"And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13).
"Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." (v. 12)
ReplyDeleteThis verse is very specific in commanding that we live as examples. Again and again we read about how we are to stand out, and to be "against the grain" etc. Timothy is being commanded to be a good example, because he is being watched with critical eyes - and it's the same for us. Call yourself a Christian and your mistake far outweighs any other individual's mistake. Of course we mess up, but it kind of puts the pressure on. Maybe a little more infrequent "next time I'll do better attitude" and a little more "today I am doing better" outlook.
Nice point Mary.
ReplyDeleteOn that same note, we are also called to be aware of false teachers and doctrine. There is so much of it out there and we see regularly people leaving the faith to join this religion or that cult, just as Paul warned. As we read a while back, Satan portrays himself as an angel of light so we shouldn't be surprised that many who claim to be Christians or followers of Jesus, are not. We can tell the truth by watching their deeds - which is why we ought to be quite disciplined in all we do, dedicating ourselves to and growing in Christ.
So...are those of us who claim to be Christians living it out? Would onlookers recognize we are, as Mary eluded to, different simply by the way we conduct ourselves?
I read this today and thought it was so good....
ReplyDelete"Sinner's prayer...
Dear Lord, So far today I haven't offended anyone, had any bad thoughts about anyone or anything, I haven't said anthing that could be considered bad or judgemental, I have kept all your commandments... But in a few minutes Lord I'm going to have to get out of this bed, start my day, and I'm going to need your help. In Jesus' name I thank you for that strength. AMEN!"