In It, Not OF It

 

As “authentic” Christians, we are to live in this world without being OF this world. Sometimes..no, MOST of the time,  it’s a battle. A battle against self and the enemy. Choosing to fight worldly desires. Fighting the temptation to do what everybody else is doing. (Because..Hey..it couldn’t be THAT bad if everybody is doing it…right???…WRONG.)

1 John 2:16 ~ For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world.

1 Corinthians 10:13 ~ No temptation has seized you except , what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

Eyes are watching and ears are listening. Especially if you are a professing believer. People are watching even closer when you are in a leadership position. It is a fact that leaders are held accountable for those they are “leading”.

You may remember the little song: “Oh be careful little eyes what you see. Oh be careful little eyes what you see…for the Father up above is looking down in love..oh be careful little eyes what you see…..Oh be careful little ears what you hear…..Oh be careful little mouth what you say…..”

Now, let me make something clear. If you are a mother…guess what? You are a leader. If you are a father, you are a leader. If you are in any type of leadership position at church, you are a leader. If you are in management at your job, you are a leader. If you are leading anything, you are a leader.

Do you realize the responsibility you have as a leader? Whether it be in your home or your work or at church, you have a responsibility.

Now back to the “in the world not of the world” stuff.

There are things that will come up. Things that you will have the choice to say no or yes to. Theses “things” may seem petty or harmless. It is our jobs as followers of Christ, to research and pray and ask ourselves if these “things” may harm our witness for Christ.

 

2 Timothy 1:14 ~ Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you – guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

I know that not everyone is going to have the same convictions. However, it is a simple truth that if what we are doing is a potential stumbling block to someone else, that we shouldn’t be doing it. Period.

1 Corinthians 8:9 ~ Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

1 Corinthians 8:13 ~ Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.

Romans 14:13 ~ Therefore let us stop passing judgement on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way.

Here’s one way to check yourself. Ask yourself if you would be doing… whatever it is, if Jesus were standing right next to you…in the flesh.

Now, here’s the thing. If you are truly saved, HE is standing right there with you. In fact, HE is living inside of you. As a matter of fact, IF you are truly saved, you should be convicted anyways. You know, that little knocking..feeling..voice..telling you that you shouldn’t do something. That’s God talking to ya…and you better listen.

I will be the first to admit that I am not perfect. I know that I fail…but, my hearts desire as I walk closely with my Savior, is to glorify HIM in everything. When I fail, HE picks me back up and forgives me and loves me…and that LOVE is what makes me want to chase after righteousness…chase after being like Jesus..even more.

Philippians 3:12 ~ Not that I have already obtained all this, or have been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Blessings to you all as you guard your witness for Christ!

UNTIL NEXT TIME,