In every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.
--Philippians 1:18
Do you remember those old Gatorade commercials that ask, “Is it in you?” That’s a great question for us to ask ourselves when it comes to our character and our faith…is it in us?
The reason Christ-like character needs to be in us is that what is inside us will come out when we are under pressure or facing opposition. It’s at times like these when others see who we really are.
If we are going to lead someone else to Christ, or be a positive example, we have to be people of integrity and credibility. Nobody wants to follow someone they don’t trust or who is not completely believable. Your message must be livable if it is to be believable.
It’s important to remember that we are either bringing credit or discredit to the holy name of Christ by the things we do and say each day. If the people around you know that you are a Christian, then what you do and say is a representation to them of Jesus.
That’s challenging to think about, but if Christ is in you, you have everything you need to be a positive example. After all, the best argument for Christ is a faithful follower of Him!
There’s really nothing mysterious about being a good example of the Christian faith. Just let your walk match your talk. Make your personal witness for Christ believable and trustworthy, so others will be willing to follow the example you set.
The best argument for Christianity is a faithful follower of Christ.
Unity of Mind
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. Greet one another with an holy kiss. All the saints salute you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen”
2 Corinthians 13:11–14
Professional athletes have all kinds of support—nutritional, financial, and medical, as well as trainers for every aspect of their on and off field lives. Recently, the Houston Astros hired their former All-Star third baseman Morgan Ensberg to their minor league staff as a “mindset coach.” His assignment to make sure that coaches, staff, and players throughout the organization are all on the same page. The fact that a massive organization dedicated to winning baseball games thinks this is an important investment, highlights the importance of the way we think.
The work of God is greatly hindered by unnecessary divisions among God’s people. While there are certainly times when we must take a stand and even break with someone over a doctrinal issue, we should never be eager for divisions. In pleading with two members of the church at Philippi to work together, Paul wrote, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). There are as many different opinions and ideas as there are people, but if each one of us puts what God thinks (which we find in the pages of His Word) ahead of what we think, we will find it easy to be in harmony with each other. This was one of the most important characteristics of the early church in Jerusalem. Over and over in Acts we read statements like this one: “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place” (Acts 2:1).
Today’s Growth Principle:
When we think as God thinks, it will be easy for us to be unified with other Christians.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment