Each day that I live and breath is a day in which I live free, because Christ died in place of me.
(like how that rhymes?) :)
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
Monday, January 7, 2008
Compromise?
I have been challenged lately to evaluate my choices. I know that this should be a regular part of my decision making, but I've realized that I've lost some of the motivation I used to have for making certain choices and refraining from others. Specifically, I have grown very fond of making little compromises in my walk with my Lord Jesus, and I have tricked myself into thinking they aren't a big deal and perhaps I'll "get away" with these little sins that I've allowed to cloud my view of Christ.
But then I am struck with the stark reality that the Bible presents. Jesus said in Matthew 5:48 "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." And then in Matthew 12:46 my Lord says, "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken."
I know I am forgiven for my sin, but Jesus doesn't let up on the call to be perfect, to be holy before God. Being a follower of Christ means to continually weed out the little sins that plague my growing faith, and make continuous, minute by minute conscious efforts to live in a way that honors Christ and shares His love with others.
One of my biggest compromises is the words I speak and the attitude in which I speak them. I tend to be negative, sarcastic, and gossipy. For those of you who really know me, you know that I also love to argue (even when I claim that it's not arguing). I can identify this weakness, this sin, and yet part of me says "it's not a big deal, everyone does it, and even does worse."
But Paul says in Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
And then in 5:4, "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."
Again in 5:19-21 "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Words are so incredibly powerful! Just the way I talk about someone or something can affect my attitude. Jesus said from the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks (Matthew 15:18). If Jesus is in my heart, then I should speak in a way that brings Him joy. My words should be of thanksgiving and rejoicing, not criticism and sarcasm. How do I change these patterns and habits I've developed?
Lord Jesus! Please cleanse my heart of the negative and critical attitude that have influenced my relationship with You! Please wash my words with Your Word and let my heart rejoice in knowing that in You there is peace and every good thing. Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path. May Your light shine through me, and through the words I speak. In Jesus' name.
But then I am struck with the stark reality that the Bible presents. Jesus said in Matthew 5:48 "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." And then in Matthew 12:46 my Lord says, "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken."
I know I am forgiven for my sin, but Jesus doesn't let up on the call to be perfect, to be holy before God. Being a follower of Christ means to continually weed out the little sins that plague my growing faith, and make continuous, minute by minute conscious efforts to live in a way that honors Christ and shares His love with others.
One of my biggest compromises is the words I speak and the attitude in which I speak them. I tend to be negative, sarcastic, and gossipy. For those of you who really know me, you know that I also love to argue (even when I claim that it's not arguing). I can identify this weakness, this sin, and yet part of me says "it's not a big deal, everyone does it, and even does worse."
But Paul says in Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
And then in 5:4, "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."
Again in 5:19-21 "Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Words are so incredibly powerful! Just the way I talk about someone or something can affect my attitude. Jesus said from the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks (Matthew 15:18). If Jesus is in my heart, then I should speak in a way that brings Him joy. My words should be of thanksgiving and rejoicing, not criticism and sarcasm. How do I change these patterns and habits I've developed?
Lord Jesus! Please cleanse my heart of the negative and critical attitude that have influenced my relationship with You! Please wash my words with Your Word and let my heart rejoice in knowing that in You there is peace and every good thing. Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path. May Your light shine through me, and through the words I speak. In Jesus' name.
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