In today’s world, living out or putting our Christian convictions into practice can be a constant struggle. Often times we feel we are offending others, or walking on eggshells just to keep the peace and not stir up trouble within our relationships, or families. If we go to Church and Sunday School and read our Bibles like we should, then we should have a pretty good gage on how God wants us to live. Some Christians feel very strongly about their beliefs, while others waver a bit and stand on fences when it comes to some topics. We must be careful not to judge eachother. Instead we should pray for our Christian brothers and sisters who waver and are not yet mature in the faith.
I want to be very clear about a few things. I am not perfect and my writing, well let's just say I pray I stay on topic and don't totally loose my readers. I humbly come before those who care to read my posts, with my thoughts on what I have read and what I feel God has pointed out to me within His word. I am merely a follower of Jesus Christ with a deep love for God and His Holy Word and believe he has much to say to us. It is my desire to study God’s Word and try to make sense of what God’s will is in my life, by using the Bible and the instructions given within, to glorify our Heavenly Father!
The topic of living out our convictions takes me to the book of Ephesians, one of my favorite books of the Bible. The book of Ephesians contains life changing spiritual truths and explains how as Christians we should be reflecting those spiritual truths in our behavior. The book of Ephesians clearly tells us that we have a duty as members of the body of Christ to be imitators of Christ. Being a Christian is much more than religion, it is a life style. If we don't practice what we preach, or claim to believe, how will we make a difference for Christ in this world? Below I will list just a few verses that jumped out at me durring my Bible study time.
- “Imitate God, therefore in everything you do, because you are his dear children.” Ephesians 5:1
In the world we live, as Christians we are considered uptight outcasts or fanatics when we try to follow the Scripture above. Every time we try to apply a Biblical View to something, that Worldly View fights us tooth and nail to win. We must stand firm!
- “Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people.” Ephesians 5:3
In this world we live, sexual immorality is running ramped. We can’t even turn on our televisions without being bombarded by inappropriate material, not only for young children, but for decent people. Take control of your television, don't let it control you. Change the channel!!!
Greed also controls the lives of many, giving them little satisfaction with what they already have, only to leave them wanting for more.
- “Obscene stories, foolish talk, and course jokes- these are not for you. Instead let there be thankfulness to God.” Ephesians 5:4
We live in a world so desensitized to the way our Lord’s name is used. People use our Lord’s name carelessly and often in anger while cursing either people or situations they are in. They do it with such little regard, as if His name weren’t Holy. The crazy thing is if you try telling someone, who has been talking that way for more years than you have been alive, that it's wrong, they become offended.
As Christians, we will be misunderstood just as Christ was, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have an obligation to save a lost and dying world. We can’t just turn our faces when someone is doing something we know is wrong, or tune them out when they say something inappropriate. Instead we must pray they will listen, then approach them with patience and respect. We can’t make them listen, but we can plant seeds and leave the rest in God's hands. God will soften the heart, provide the conviction and faith, if such is his will.
“Carefully determine what pleases the Lord.” Ephesians 5:10
“Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him.” Ephesians 5:6
“Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.” 2 Timothy 2:23-26
Even though it constantly feels as though we are swimming against the current, we should never give up or give in. I know what I have to do, I need to go to the Lord in prayer, seeking guidance and strength. Then I must intentionally take a stand and live by my convictions. In doing so, I must be careful to set a good example for others to follow and not do anything that may cause someone to stumble. We need to live our lives in such a manner that on the day of judgment we can face our Heavenly Father and say, “I gave food to the poor, water to the thirsty, encouragement to the discouraged and introduced them all to your son. I did this all in your name and for your glory.” That seems like a tall order, but it’s really not. Not when God sent his only son to die on a cross for us. We owe him everything and every part of us and our lives and should we withhold anything from our Father, he has the power and the right to take it away. We must be faithful to be what God has called us to be and live by the convictions the Lord has placed in our hearts!
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