Friday, May 4, 2012

"My Life, Your Entertainment"


Ever just been minding your own business, not bothering a single, solitary soul and it seems like folks just start picking with you? Like for NO reason. Are you pretty cordial to everyone but there is STILL a person (or persons) who seem to always have a negative comment to make every time you say or do something, no matter what it is? Every time you hear their voice, your face uncontrollably does this…



             Yep, that person! …BUT this isn’t about them, it’s about...
I’d like to submit to you that there IS a reason they pick at you… You say you’re a Christian. That doesn’t seem like NEARLY enough reason for them to come at you, does it? I can assure you that it is.

 

"Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good?  But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ.” – 1 Peter 3:13-16

The above passage tells us a couple things: (1) people WILL try you, (2) you WILL be questioned about your faith, (3) ALWAYS be ready, gentle & respectful. (P.S. – this is an EXCELLENT situation to practice meekness! Do NOT let their attitude or actions affect your cheerful disposition!)


As Christians we must realize that we are under CONSTANT scrutiny from the world…don’t fall for the lies: they ARE watching what you say, what you do, who you associate with, where you go, what you wear, etc. And just HOW do I know that? How many times have YOU heard someone ask you or someone else “Oh, I thought you were a Christian?”


So now that we KNOW that we’re being watched, what’s OUR next step as Christians? We have to start LIVING out our gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross. It’s some things we can’t do anymore, some places we can’t go anymore, some people we can’t hang around with anymore, some activities we can’t participate in anymore, some things we can’t say anymore. We may be the ONLY “church” or “Bible” that some people encounter.  

You spent enough time in the past doing what unbelievers like to do. You were promiscuous, had sinful desires, got drunk, went to wild parties, and took part in the forbidden worship of false gods. Unbelievers insult you now because they are surprised that you no longer join them in the same excesses of wild living.” –  1 Peter 4:3-4 <--THAT'S why they pick on you.



Our actions will speak louder than anything we profess from our mouths. And I'm not I saying that it’s easy to change our behavior(s) because it wasn’t for me! But I realized the more time I spent with God, in prayer, around godly people and places, the easier it becomes (because this is a continuous growth process)! (SN: you can read more about that in “Choices”)

Trust that those who have not come to adore Christ yet as WE already have ARE watching to see if what WE said lines up with how WE live…and remember, “Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.” – 1 Tim 4:16 


Its is my prayer that you fully trust and believe that every good work that God has started in you will be seen through to completion at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (Phil 1:6). I pray you are encouraged to live boldly & openly before the world declaring the goodness of Christ with meekness, grace, respect & humility and that you rest in the power of the Holy Spirit to do so! 

I love you! :-)
Allison




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