His honor is on the line
I pulled a book from my library. The author’s work has
informed and challenged me many times.
But, yesterday, as I read them they were just not the same. The author
was found guilty of sexual misconduct, not once, but twice, while serving as a
pastor. The words on the page are the
same, but they are tarnished now. I wonder if people who read my writing or
listen to my sermons ever have to struggle past some lapse, something I have
done or said that tarnished the truth I am proclaiming? It is a sobering thought.
It’s not just preachers who need to concern themselves with
holy lives, with integrity, with being authentic in their relationship with the
Lord. We all have a responsibility "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! We must choose to live in such a way that we bring honor to the One who has staked
His reputation on us, for we are ' ambassadors for Christ.' (2
Corinthians 5:20)
Paul, held on charges that were politically motivated and facing a hearing with the Roman Emperor, did not waver in faith or give in to temptation. His stress, which might have become an excuse for sinful choices, was a reason for deeper faith. He realized that many had their eyes on him. So he wrote, "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! The apostle, though human and prone to failure by his own admission, set his sights on living to honor the Lord.
Paul, held on charges that were politically motivated and facing a hearing with the Roman Emperor, did not waver in faith or give in to temptation. His stress, which might have become an excuse for sinful choices, was a reason for deeper faith. He realized that many had their eyes on him. So he wrote, "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! The apostle, though human and prone to failure by his own admission, set his sights on living to honor the Lord.
If we consciously choose to adopt Paul’s goal of living
always in a way that reflects positively on Christ Jesus, it will change every
conversation, every action, every private thought.
When we are tempted to gossip and tear down another person, we need to think - does this honor Christ?
When we are ready to bend 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 tempted to just do the minimum, we must remember- I represent the Lord of glory!
Does this make you fearful? Perhaps you’re thinking - "You're asking me to be perfect!" Not really, because none of us is flawless, nor can we ever be this side of Heaven. But, neither should we allow ourselves to indulge in sin, and so to dishonor the Lord who calls us. Christ will be judged by our actions, like it or not. Knowing that, we aim high and live transparently, by God’s grace.
Here’s a word from the Word. Take the challenge and trust the Spirit to empower 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.
When we are tempted to gossip and tear down another person, we need to think - does this honor Christ?
When we are ready to bend 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 tempted to just do the minimum, we must remember- I represent the Lord of glory!
Does this make you fearful? Perhaps you’re thinking - "You're asking me to be perfect!" Not really, because none of us is flawless, nor can we ever be this side of Heaven. But, neither should we allow ourselves to indulge in sin, and so to dishonor the Lord who calls us. Christ will be judged by our actions, like it or not. Knowing that, we aim high and live transparently, by God’s grace.
Here’s a word from the Word. Take the challenge and trust the Spirit to empower 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
_______________________
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
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