THE CHALLENGE OF THE CHRISTIAN WALK The ideal Christian walk encompasses many aspects of development, spiritual growth, and maturity as a believer. Oftentimes we find a comfort zone and want to settle. The children of Israel in the wilderness were commanded to followed the cloud. God staggers our imagination and comprehension of who He AM. We can never “arrive” in our search to know Him nor can we fully understand His ways. All who follow His presence are continually changed and transformed; or, something is wrong. He, and He alone, is the sole recipient of our worship and the focus of our standard. Nothing can be compared to Him, His Holiness, His Majesty, His Splendor … He is God. But, being human and insecure, we comfort ourselves by comparing our intentions with others actions. Paul spoke of this attitude in the Corinthian church (2 Corinthians 10:12). Each of us needs to remember: it is He who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light; It is He who lavished His love upon us and by His mercy delivered us; and only He can complete in us what He has begun according to His good pleasure. Sometimes there is undue emphasis on the non-essentials because they are external and evident for all to see. Every woman knows the value of external exhibitionism. Each year billions are dollars are spent on cosmetics because women know “man looks on the outward appearance” (1 Samuel 16:7). Did you know most of us define who we “am” by “What we do?” Have you realized most people spend less than .01% of a week in any public religious service. A doctor, teacher, lawyer, mechanic will spend forty plus hours a week practicing their profession. It is what they DO as compared to who they are. Who we “am” can never be defined by what we “do.” In Christianity (not churchanity), Jesus is the Standard, the Ideal, and the exact Character by which God will compare our growth and development. He is the Word made flesh. (John 1:14; Colossians 1:15; 3:10: Hebrews 5:8,9). The same living word incarnate in us (1 Peter 1:23-25). Listed below are a few passages that reveal God’s will for those who follow Him and seek His pleasure. He is the standard by which we may measure ourselves and our maturity in Christ. We can never use any external practices. A practicing Christian must practice these things daily out of his “am”ness, his relationship with his God. Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48…The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him. John 8:29. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 Do all things without complaining and disputing. Philippians 2:14 For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks… For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. Matthew 12:34, 37 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God … Ephesians 4:29, 30 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God … Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. Philippians 4:6, 8… … brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God…. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Romans 12:1-14…. … giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8 May we all be productive and fruitful laborers in His vineyard, pleasing Him in all aspects, vessels of mercy, having the ministry of reconciliation, and diligent to make our call and election sure. To Him be the glory and honor and praise forever and ever. Amen.
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 01:35:25 +0000
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