So what does Christianity look like? If you claim Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, is there a masked difference in your daily actions then a non believer? How about we start with what a follower of Christ won't look like? Unforgiving, full of hate, and prideful are some of the traits that can be seen in a non believer. Psalms 130:3-4 (AMP) states "If You, Lord, should keep an account of our sins and treat us accordingly, O Lord, who could stand [before You in judgment and claim innocence]? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared and worshiped [with submissive wonder]." You see, with forgiveness comes forgiveness. All because God Almighty saw fit to forgive us. So then why shouldn't we as measly humans forgive others who have hurt us and/or done us wrong? In Mathew 5:22 Jesus tells us, "But I say to you that everyone who continues to be angry with his brother or harbors malice against him shall be guilty before the court; and whoever speaks [contemptuously and insultingly] to his brother, [Raca (You empty-headed idiot)!’ shall be guilty before the supreme court (Sanhedrin); and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of the fiery hell." Jesus goes on to say in verse 44 "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father Who is in Heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good; and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." Seems a bit harsh, right? NO! Our God is Holy and Just. His Word tells us (Proverbs 23 NASB) "For as he thinks within himself (his heart), so he is." Satan was thrown out of Heaven because of pride. Psalms 10:4 states "The wicked, in the haughtiness of his countenance, does not seek Him. All his thoughts are 'There is no God'" Proverbs 11:2 (AMP) "When pride comes [boiling up with an arrogant attitude of self-importance], then come dishonor and shame, But with the humble [the teachable who have been chiseled by trial and who have learned to walk humbly with God] there is wisdom and soundness of mind." Beloved friends, as followers of Christ our walks in the day to day grind that is life should reflect our love of Christ. That is the key! What does Christianity look like: LOVE! Jesus said in John 15:12 "This is my commandment, that you love one another and I have loved you." He goes on to remind us in verse 16 that He chose us! We didn't chose Him! You've seen the bumper stickers! Christianity is not a religion it's a relationship! I never really understood that until a few years ago sitting in county jail studying the Word and praying. Since Jesus first loved us, the very people who's sins nailed Him to the cross, we in turn, love Him. Walk daily in the love! Let go of the unforgiveness, hatred, and pride. Let the light of Jesus shine brightly through you as you go about you lives. Christianity is all about love! May the Lord fill you with overflowing love and peace. May your hearts be softened to receive this free gift of mercy from the One Who Calls you out of the pits of despair. In the Might Name of Jesus, Amen!
4
No comments:
Post a Comment