We can see that the world opposes Christianity in a way that my generation has never seen it before. It has always been that way, but the older you get the more your eyes see it. You become more away of what is really happening in the world even if you chose not to see it.
It can feel like there is no right way to do anything. If you act one way, then the world condemns you. If you act another way, then the church condemns you. That is why we need to focus on our personal relationship with God. The Holy Spirit will direct you in a way that serves God the best. Your actions and words may still be misperceived, but at least you know you did the right thing.
Scandalous conduct that comes from Christians will give the entire church a bad reputation. We all need to hold ourselves and our church accountable for the way they talk and walk in the name of Jesus. We all know that the church locations have lots of people that are not Christians. All we can do is direct them and allow the Holy Spirit to convict them where they need it. We can't expect people that are not true Christians to act like they are. That only sets everyone up for failure, frustration, and disappointment.
Christianity is more than attending church once a week. It is a lifestyle. It is a relationship. You need to treat it with more respect than you do your own marriage. Being faithful is the main part of Christianity. However, the parts of respecting the relationship that are seen and judged are how you treat other people, your speech, your attire.
Do you try to control everything? Do you gossip? Do you live a cardinal life? If you are a Christian and you answered yes to any of those questions and more, then you are not respecting your relationship with Jesus. We have to take personal responsibility for how we live. We may have triggers and weak spots in our armor, but that is no excuse to disrespect your relationship with God.
Find inspiration. Go travel in God's name. Go create something in God's name. Go do something that inspires you and use it to draw you closer to God. A misperception of the church is that we can't have fun. You can enjoy life more freely as a Christian. You just have to allow yourself to be holy and inspired at the same time.
If you feel lost in this world it is okay. Our true home is Heaven. Where you are now is the place you are a steward over. Treat what you have in life with respect because it is a gift from God. If you do not honor what you have as His, then why would He give you more. You can't find contentment in life if you are not where God wants you and you do not respect where God has put you. Even the bad parts of life have a purpose and you can still find joy within not matter what the picture may look like from the outside.
We all have to contend with Satan. He wants to steal, kill, and destroy your joy. He would take your life if you are a strong Christian, if God would allow him. He hates it when Christians pray and have a strong relationship with Jesus. He loves it when he is able to trip us up because he knows it could keep other people from having a relationship with God.
Our real battles in life come from him. He wants to twist our desires and passions into something unholy. God gave us passion, so it is not wrong. Passion is only wrong when Satan is driving it. That is why we are our own worst enemy at times. We can be very self-destructive.
The world that hates us watch us. They want to see us fail like Satan wants us to fail. He has their hearts, so their behavior toward you lets you know his true intent. They only way to fight them and him is to be in God's Word and pray. The closer you are to God the safer or more prepared for the battle you will be.
If you lose a battle, then pick yourself up. Acknowledge where you went wrong and repent. Turn to God for healing. His power can do anything. People can help, but they are not strong enough to hold themselves up and you all the time. Instead of focusing on other people, focus on your service for God. Look within to see if there is anything about you that would hinder people from going to Him and repent so you can show His glory in what you do.
We all face challenges and we are the church. That means that the church faces challenges. We want to be honorable, but is it for us or for God? How do we conduct conversation? How we talk reveal our true heart.
We need to be self-disciplined, so that our desires and passions do not control us. We want to control them so that they don't risk being influenced by evil. We need to guard our mind. That means control what you read, listen to, watch on tv, or other sources of entertainment. If it is not something that Jesus would have enjoyed, then it probably is not worth our time.
Life is not a game. It is short. Now is the time to live. You need to stand out distinctively as a Christian. Be honest. Live in integrity. Be His beauty by living a guiltless life. Withstand the slander. Don't allow your temper to control your tongue or actions. Allow them to slander and stand strong in His name. They will look like the fool in the end. Living an honorable Christian lifestyle is the strongest force in the world because you are empowered by the Holy Spirit to do more than you are capable of on your own.
Matthew 22:29-33, Romans 10:8-13, Hebrews 11:13-16, & 1 Peter 2:9-12
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