Taking Your New Life To A New Level

“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” -  James 4:17

Think about that verse.  You agree that God’s Word is Truth, right?  Then that verse is truth, but probably a truth that we would prefer to not think about.  We have all kinds of reasons – good reasons – why we don’t do something.  Perhaps it’s just not the right time.  More than likely "not the right time" means that it would not be convenient .. it would disrupt our plans or preferences.  Like the woman I mentioned the other day who looked at us with indignation when we suggested she give a Bible we offered to her to one of her neighbors.  

Consider Romans 12:1-2.  I often quote those verses .. “offer yourself as a sacrifice … don’t be conformed to this world [and its ways] but be transformed … thereby proving God’s good and perfect will”  

It’s not enough to sit in the pew .. listen to Christian radio … watch preachers on TV … or even read the Bible … God expects you and me to bear fruit … Do you remember Jesus encountering the barren fig tree (Matthew 21:18-22)? That was not a good day for the fig tree.  Simply agreeing with the “rightness” of what you hear or read is not good enough .. not nearly good enough.  

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” - James 1:22

Being satisfied with being a spectator - sitting in the stands ... is a common problem among the Called .. our old nature at work. That is why the Word admonishes us to take action.  I have always been amazed at how engaged people who attend or watch sporting events can become. They become very passionate, displaying a wide range of emotions from euphoria to disbelief and even anger. All that emotion spent over a game that they paid handsomely to attend sitting in uncomfortable seats, eating a 50 cent hot dog that may have cost them $10. They are playing the game - Football - Baseball - Basketball - Hockey vicariously through the players on the field, court or ice. They would never, ever consider putting on a uniform and joining in the game. They are out of shape, lack the skill, determination, and commitment. Sadly, that can be said of many of us Christians. We are content to sit in the stands and cheer or complain, all the while, God is saying - suit up - I want you on the field not in the stands. But how could you possibly be ready to join the team?  Here is a thought.

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" - Ephesians 6:10-18

That's how. 

"I (you) can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13

So what position has God called you to play? And be assured it is not to sit on the bench.

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