Tag: holiness

Evil Tidings

Psalm 112:7

What do you do, when someone brings you bad news? Whether the tidings be true, or the usual talebearing, our first instinct should be to keep our trust in the Lord. Rather than becoming uptight and nervous over bad news, when we are consistent in our faith, evil tidings should only push us closer to God. The world, and some church folk, seem to be fascinated with keeping up mess, and spreading bad news is something they look forward to. But, those who walk in holiness are encouraged to speak those things that edify, rather than tear down.

Manifold Wisdom

Ephesians 3

While it is impossible to fully understand the ways of God, because His thoughts and ways are not like our own, it is possible to navigate through life by His wisdom. Man’s wisdom is solely based on human understanding, and knowledge of things known, but the God of heaven gives His people insight and strategy beyond what the eyes of men can see. The children of God suffer in the earth in similar ways as those of the world. For example, those who are the righteousness of God, also suffer sickness, struggle financially, and even deal with the tedious rigmarole of the workplace. Fortunately, God helps His children endure the struggles of life, while maintaining the proper perspective. Worldly men consider suffering as punishment, or lack of effort to be better. While there is truth to that statement, some suffering is necessary to keep people humbled, or protected from potential circumstances. God’s wisdom guides and protects the Saints through all their daily occurrences. Whether meandering through the grocery store, or visiting sick loved ones, there’s never a moment when we should refuse to acknowledge the manifold wisdom of God.

Good Representation

Psalm 38

How well do you represent godly living in all areas of your life? Can your family, coworkers, neighbors and friends easily tell whether you are dedicated to living a life of holiness, or not? It’s easy to look the part of a believer in church, or amongst those gathered for religious purposes, but how well do you represent godliness outside of the church walls, and in the company of those who do not share your beliefs? Are you easily entertained by unhealthy conversations at work, or do family members know the right buttons to push, that will cause you to act out of character? Representing God in a fallen world isn’t always easy, but if one diligently commits to doing as the Lord commanded, He will always direct their steps, by His Spirit.

Walking In Liberty

Galatians 5

1) Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

13) For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

16) This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

Christ died, so that we could be free from the penalty of sin, and live a better life after death. But, our freedom does not give us the right to live contrary to holiness. Just because our sin debt has been paid in full, we still must maintain a life of holy living, as children of God. There are many who abuse the privilege of being redeemed by the blood of Jesus, and find themselves fulfilling the lust of the flesh. While these individuals may still be a part of the body of Christ, they’ll indeed suffer the consequences of their ungodly behavior. As believers, we have a responsibility to love God, and keep His commandments, without hesitation. The world needs to see us living a righteous life, more than hearing us profess it.

Thicker Than Water

Psalm 101

Close relationships have great potential for conflict. Our homes can be difficult places in which to “behave wisely.” Our families usually see us at our worst because we relax and let down our mask of good behavior. Often we do not treat our family members with the same respect and kindness we show to friends and business associates. David must have understood this as he promised to walk within his house “with a perfect heart.” Because we want to treat those who are close to us well, let us pray that God will remind us to follow him at home, and that our lives will be Christian examples.

(Excerpt from Life Application Bible pg. 1036)