Saturday, January 23, 2016

Acting Like A Christian May Get You An Oscar, But You Won't Get Peace

My Utmost For His Highest
 
We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image… —2 Corinthians 3:18
 
The greatest characteristic a Christian can exhibit is this completely unveiled openness before God, which allows that person’s life to become a mirror for others. When the Spirit fills us, we are transformed, and by beholding God we become mirrors. You can always tell when someone has been beholding the glory of the Lord, because your inner spirit senses that he mirrors the Lord’s own character. […] The most important rule for us is to concentrate on keeping our lives open to God. Let everything else including work, clothes, and food be set aside. The busyness of things obscures our concentration on God. We must maintain a position of beholding Him, keeping our lives completely spiritual through and through. Let other things come and go as they will; let other people criticize us as they will; but never allow anything to obscure the life that “is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). Never let a hurried lifestyle disturb the relationship of abiding in Him.”  CHAMBERS
 
When people see you, what do they see?  What emanates from your life? The fragrance of Christ?  (2 Corinthians 2:15) “For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing”  Or do we look and act like everyone else?  If you want an idea, try asking your children.  Another option would be to ask the Spirit to show you.  Feigned spirituality is useless.  Have you ever been around someone who acts “spiritual” when they are with you, but you know that they are living a carnal life, trusting in themselves to get by?  Why do we do that?  Well, we do that to please people.  Every action we take points to the fact that we are living a life independent of God.  The Word cautions us against that … why?  Because God  knows us.  We are jars of clay.  Mere mortals, who must rely on the Spirit of God to live our new life.  The victory we have is supernatural but it is reflected in the natural … for the world to see.  Jesus said  “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33)  If you are not struggling with this, then you know someone who is.  As I encourage you, you encourage them to trust God.  So our lives will be a reflection of Jesus for the world to see.  ELGIN
 
Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)
 
Charley Elgin

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