The High Calling

The sordid details of the boy's life were, by turns, tragic and shameful. His testimony before a Congressional committee grabbed the attention of the media. Justin Berry, 19, told of being drawn into Internet pornography, how as a 13 year old boy, he became an object of online exploitation by men from all over the country. I'll spare you the details, but suffice to say, his life was very ugly! The list of those who 'used' him was long, full of people from all walks of life- teachers, lawyers, etc. What they did 'in the dark' became public, much to their shame. Today, the AP carries reports of Brian Doyle, a deputy press secretary with the US Dept. of Homeland Security, being arrested for using his computer to converse with a person he thought was a 14 year old girl in Florida. His explicit sexual conversations were actually happening with an undercover sheriff. Now he is facing trial and public humiliation. I am quite certain that none of Justin Berry's 'clients' nor Brian Doyle expected their actions to become public. They failed to reckon with the consequences of choices made in secret, in the dark! Now, they face disgrace.

Believer, you and I have a high calling in Christ. The Bible challenges us "to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God." (Ephesians 4:1, NLT) We must let the light of Christ shine into every corner of our lives, living openly, staying connected in healthy relationships so that sin will not find any secret, dark places in us where it can hide and grow. We must choose to be in the company of others who call from us the highest and the best! Our focus must always be on honoring the One who has staked His reputation on us, for we are 'Christ's ambassadors.'

Paul was under house arrest in Rome, held on charges that were politically motivated. In that kind of stress, which might have become an excuse for sinful choices, he says, "For I live in eager expectation and hope that I will never do anything that causes me shame, but that I will always be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past, and that my life will always honor Christ, whether I live or I die." (Philippians 1:20, NLT) What a goal! We all need to share it. The apostle, though human and prone to failure by his own admission, set his sights on living to honor the Lord. Think of the ways that adopting his goal of a Christ-honoring life potentially changes the way we live. Every conversation, every action, every private thought takes on a different dimension when put under the Bright Light of heaven.

When we are tempted to gossip and tear at another's reputation, we need to think - does this honor Christ?
When we are ready to make a choice that bends the rules to fit our selfish agenda, we need to remind ourselves - if this becomes public knowledge, what will others think of my Lord?
When we are at work and feel the desire to just do the minimum, we must remember- I represent the Lord of glory!

"But, Jerry, you're asking me to be perfect!" No, friend, I cannot require that of you, for it is impossible for me! None of us is flawless, nor can we ever be this side of Heaven. However, we must not use the sinful nature as an excuse to indulge ourselves, and so to dishonor the Lord who calls us into His service. As I wrote yesterday, the secret of a holy life is the power of the Spirit, found by inviting Christ Jesus to live in us, transforming us.

Read this passage thoughtfully today.
Pray that God will lead you to live honorably, for Christ's sake.

"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love,
just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity,
or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. ...

Therefore do not be partners with them. For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.
Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.
For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. ...

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:1-16, NIV)
_______________________

I am weak but Thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong;
I'll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk,
close to Thee.

Through this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord,
None but Thee.

Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

Just A Closer Walk With Thee- Public Domain