Thursday, November 16, 2006

Stay Above Reproach! Protect Your Testimony!

As fellow Christians in the world we have to watch our actions and what we say. The world is watching every move we make just looking for some reason to accuse us. Then they go around and say that we are just like they are in the world. We are told to keep our actions pure and true to the Word.

We all go to our jobs and if they know that you are a Christian, don't think for a moment that you aren't being scrutinized. If Satan can ruin your reputation, he'll jump at the chance. We have seen on the news lately where high profile Christians have sinned and been publicly brought down, and the whole world knows about their sin. That is how it works. We are warned to be careful and watch our testimony.

Websters Dictionary explains reproach as: a cause or occasion of blame, discredit, or disgrace. So if we allow our personal testimony to come under reproach, we see that it will have devastating results. How does the Bible tell us to live?

Philippians;2:14-15(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,)
As Christians we are to be a light in a dark place. If we live like the rest of the world, how are they going to see what God could do for them? They will say "You aren't any different than I am.
Ephesians;5:1-2(Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, as offering and sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.) We are to try to walk like Jesus did when He was on the earth.

[Light In The World]
We are told to let our light shine before men. Jesus has done a good work in us and we need to let the world see what He can do for them.
Ephesians;5:8-11(For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.)

[Walk In Wisdom]
We need to watch our Christian walk.
Ephesians;5:15-17(See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.)
How are we going to be able to understand what God's will is for our life? You must be in the Word, and in prayer. God tells us everything that He expects from us and how He wants us to live in His Word. It's when we think that we have everything under control and start relying on ourselves that we will fall flat on our face.
Colossians;4:5-6(Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.)

The next time you think no one is watch or can hear you, just remember first, God is watching and listening and so is the rest of the world. We are constantly in a spiritual battle and we need to put on the full armor of God. He is our only chance of winning the battle.
1John;4:4(You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.)
So we need to rely on Jesus to fight our battles. He is greater than any who will come against us. Stay above reproach and don't give the enemy any ammunition.

God Bless You!

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