A mature Christian preaches with his or her life. Many times we try to talk people into accepting Jesus, but yet we fail to show them Jesus; we dont act any differently than the rest of the world, even though we claim to be saved. The world isnt looking for talk; it wants walk. Therefore, we, as Christians, must live differently: stop telling, and start showing. Matthew 7:20 tells us how to recognize truly mature Christians: by their fruit. Stop worrying about the outward show that you put on in front of your friends, and start developing the Fruit of the Spirit in your inner life (see Galatians 5:22-23). Then once you have learned to be kind, gentle, peaceful and joyful even during difficult circumstances, non-Christians will see you and say to themselves, I want what youve got. Then, you will be able to share Jesus with them effectively. We need to develop the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives. Interestingly, the first Fruit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23 is love. Furthermore, in John 13:35, Jesus said, By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. In other words, love ought to be the trademark of every believer. It is by living a life of love that you make the world hungry and thirsty for the joy, kindness, patience, peace, and stability that you have. The world isnt reading the Bible; theyre reading Christians like you. And if they dont like what they see in you, theyre not going to want what youve got—Jesus. Safety is not found in the absence of danger but in the presence of God. Even while David was seized by his enemies, the Philistines, he wrote this: When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? (Psalm 56:3-4). David knew that no matter what his circumstances looked like -- whether his life was in great danger or not -- his safety depended on God. It is no surprise, then, that David wrote in Psalm 27:1-3: The Lord is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life -- of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. When you feel afraid of what other people can do to you, remember that God has ultimate control over your life. However, it is important to note that in order to expect Gods protection, you must be in Gods presence. Notice that Psalm 91:1-2 says, He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. In order to be rest in Gods shadow, you must be in His presence -- and that means spending time with God, reading His Word, and praying. Whether the people coming against you are terrorists or just your neighbor, remember that it is God you protects you: The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? (Psalm 118:6). The principle that safety is found in God is summarized by Psalm 4:8, which says, I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. You may be in dangerous circumstances, but safety is found not in the absence of danger but in the presence of God. - Naveen Chand.
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 08:51:34 +0000
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