Being a Christian

It has been said that change is always good. And I agree, because when we look at change, it means that we are finishing one chapter of life and moving to the next. Through difficult times, we need to know how to respond to the change that is going on around us. Knowing the direction that we are going in for that change helps, but sometimes we may not know. And even then, we know that we have God to anchor us during the storms and trials of that change. One thing that we have to make sure of is that we do not compromise ourselves as Christians during this change so as not to become on the outside something that we on the inside are not meant to be. Our outside influence should not be what determines how people see us. The cracks in the vase, that is our life, should not be reminiscent of the hard times, but should be an opening for the light that is within us, so that others can see how to go through those times as well. We should be the example, and in doing so we become the change that is so greatly needed in the world today. And the world around us will be very enticing, but if we keep ourselves “studied up, and prayed up", it will be that much easier to stay in God's path and be able to discern those things to embrace and those from which to flee. This will exercise our mind, our heart, and our will, so that we will enter the continual process of changing or transforming our lives, and with it the lives of those whom we come into contact.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Romans 12:2 KJV

But what good is it to begin the process of change on the inside if it is not reflected on the outside. Sure, internal transformation is important, but what is seen on the outside is just as critical if not more, because we are to people what they perceive their experience with us to be. The things that we do and say must yell “Christian” from the rooftops- they must be a clear declaration and definition of what a Child of God is. Many times people learn from what they see and hear, so it is imperative that we not distort or misguide others to thinking that being saved is not "all it's cracked up to be."

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
James 1:26 KJV

Being a Christian means that we are in Christ- we have a new and better mindset, a new and better heart, a new and better direction in life that, even in the difficult times, gives us reason to smile and rejoice because no matter what, God is with us. We could not always smile and rejoice in the old way. And that is because nothing was certain, but with God we know that He is certain and will never change. His love, and grace, and mercy will always be the same;therefore, giving the firm stability that we seek in life. We leave the old, broken and uncertain life and become new, whole and confident.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV

Not only should we essentially dedicate our lives to God with our hearts and minds, but also in our bodies. They are given to us for a short time so as to do the work of God here on this Earth, and it is a gift to be used wisely. Before doing anything to “our bodies", we should consider that what we do with, in,  and to these vessels, will certainly show or reflect the level or lack of relationship with God. The Bible gives instruction on how to nurture and grow the body, what to eat, and more. So we have the instruction to develop a healthy body. Once again, what we do is the blueprint for someone to what a Christian is. So we should be mindful that our clothes, body language, what we consume and what we allow others to do to, and how we present our bodies should imitate what would be pleasing to God as we are always in his sight.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:1 KJV

No one is perfect, Christians included. But we have the charge to be better than we were to not only change and transform our own lives but also the lives of others. The Bible says go out into the world and teach. So we must go out from where we are and even who we are, and become more in order to save the souls of those who need a new life. It is God's mandate for us as it was for the Christian that helped us and brought us into the fold of God. And what joy has filled our hearts, so we should jump at the opportunity to share!

Songwriter William Gaither describes wonderfully why and what we should share with others.

Shackled by a heavy burden,
'Neath a load of guilt and shame.
Then the hand of Jesus touched me,
And now I am no longer the same.
He touched me, Oh He touched me,
And oh the joy that floods my soul!
Something happened and now I know,
He touched me and made me whole.
Since I met this blessed Savior,
Since He cleansed and made me whole,
I will never cease to praise Him,
I'll shout it while eternity rolls.
He touched me, Oh He touched me,
And oh the joy that floods my soul!
Something happened and now I know
He touched me and made me whole.
Songwriters: William J. Gaither
He Touched Me lyrics © Capitol Christian Music Group

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Sacrifice (pt.2): Right Reasons. Right Heart.

SACRIFICE (pt.2): Right Reasons. Right Heart.

As with anything that we do for God, others and even ourselves, we must be cautious to be sincere and true in our intentions. In other words, we must do so honestly and with a good heart. G. Batiste said, “Sacrifice means nothing if you are doing it for the wrong reasons.” In relation to this, it is perhaps best if first we establish the “why” and determine further if the course of action is pleasing to God.

In Genesis 4, Cain and Abel gave a sacrifice to God from the best that they had to offer. But reading this passage, we find that God rejected Cain's sacrifice (v.3-5). It was not said exactly why God rejected Cain's sacrifice, but no doubt, it had something to do with his heart. Perhaps his intentions on some level or another were not righteous. In later verses, we see God warning Cain to guard his heart from evil, lest it consume him (v.7). His intentions at that moment were about himself, and he slew his brother. Perhaps his heart had already been tainted with a self-serving drive even before giving his sacrifice. We do not know for sure, but God knew. And He still knows now the longings and intentions our our hearts today. It is great to follow God's commands, but it is empty unless we have our hearts in the right place. Our service is useless without substance.

Later in the Old Testament, the wise King Solomon stated, “The sacrifice of the wicked is abomination: how much more, when he bringeth it with a wicked mind?” (Proverbs 21:27)
An abomination is something that God detests or makes him want to turn his face from. If God were to turn from us, we would have no hope of peace and no substance. We need God. Therefore, all that we do should be for him. All sacrifices should be modeled after the sacrifice given for us- with not only good intentions but aided with a righteous heart. Good intentions are not enough, but acting also, with good Christian thoughts will bring good intentions to a righteous destination. God wants our sacrifice. And when done with the right reasons and the right heart, God will accept it and favor us.

We pray blessings upon all who have read. We invite you to follow us on social media as well! Be Blessed and Be a Blessing!

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