Be Genuine ------------------------------------------------------------ “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22, NIV) The other day I had the opportunity to observe a mockingbird. Mockingbirds are known for their ability to mimic the sounds of not only other birds, but also the sounds of insects. The call of a mockingbird can be deceiving. Scripture warns us not to be deceived spiritually, but to “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you— unless, of course, you fail the test?” (2 Corinthians 13:5,NIV) Jesus spoke harshly of the Pharisees, referring to them as hypocrites, people who pretended to be something they were not. There are people who wear the label “Christian, ”but their “walk” is inconsistent with their “talk.” Scripture says, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7–8, NIV) Those who sincerely practice the principles of Kingdom principles protect themselves against the dangers of being a mocker of God. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid barebefore the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13, NIV) In order to experience the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we must avoid, at all cost, pretending to be something we are not. We want our lives to echo properly into eternity. If we are careful to heed what the Scripture says, then we have the prospect of seeing God tangibly work in our lives while we are still in this world. “Great are your purposes and mighty are your deeds. Your eyes are open to the ways of all mankind; you reward each person according to their conduct and as their deeds deserve.” (Jeremiah 32:19, NIV) I want to be sure we are not “mockingbird Christians” who only hear the Word and do not practice the Word in our everyday life. A Prayer for Today: Lord, help me to be a genuine reflection of what you want me to be in the world today, and forever. I ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 02:05:40 +0000