Cannot Light a Fire With Wet Wood

"work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life" - Philippians 2:12-16

There was a slogan that I learned while on staff with Promise Keepers, "You can't TEACH what you don't know. You can't LEAD where you won't go. And you can only RECREATE what you are." That has to do with the context of our new life in Christ and the demonstration of our faith in the way we live and do to our family and the world around us.

Many of my devotions of late have been warnings about the negative influence of the world on our lives as Christians - lights in the world. Many Christians have lanterns ( they are saved) but their lanterns are not lit by the Spirit of God through faith and obedience. As a pastor friend used to say, "Their wood is wet!" Have you ever tried to start a fire with wet wood?

We are living in the midst of "a crooked and perverse generation". Not much has changed since Paul's time has it? And my friend, the world is watching us. Perhaps not for the reason you might think. It is waiting for us to prove that you and I are really no different from them - that our faith has no value. Someone once posed the question, "If you were charged with being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" That evidence is the light Paul wrote to the Philippians about. Listen ...

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden." - Matthew 5:13-14

And how do we get the fire going? It starts loving God and ends with loving others.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” - John 13:34-35

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone