As we tavel on our spiritual journey, we should ask God regularly to deliver us from dishonest and deceitful people and to help us to live honest and upright lives. We can take steps as Christians to make sure we take Peter’s exhortations in I Peter 2:11-12 seriously. We must remember that this is not our home and while here, we are to abstain from fleshly desires that war against us remembering the Holy Spirit lives in us giving us strength to be victorious. We do this to honor God and point others to holy living through Jesus Christ. We will encounter dishonest and deceitful people in life and suffer at their hands. Our response cannot be to become like them, instead we must conduct ourselves honorably so they may see in our lives a reason to glorify God. Yes, it’s easier, and momentarily satisfying, to defend yourself, however, when we honor Jesus by not succumbing to this desire we glorify Him and cause those attacking us to see the impact of Jesus in our lives. As His children we are called to live lives that reflect Him and brings Him glory. When we are the recipient of this type of behavior it doesn’t mean it does not hurt, however we are not responsible for how others conduct their lives. We are held accountable in how we conduct our lives. As believers if we have an issues with another believer we are called to bring our offenses to one another, not react as the world does. When we do not handle offenses correctly we block our prayers from being heard. “In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part.” (Matthew 6:14-15 MSG) Don’t break the connection of intimacy with God, walking in His blessings, hearing His voice through unforgiveness. Choose forgiveness, even if the other person is in the wrong or doesn’t accept your apology. Why? You’ve been obedient to God, and He will honor that. Make it right with your brother/sister first, then you can come boldly to the throne and receive God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness. It’s not easy, but it is required by God. Be assured that what God requires us to do, He also equips us to do. Be Encouraged! ❤
@louannlaw16968 жыл бұрын
As we travel on our spiritual journey, we should ask God regularly to deliver us from dishonest and deceitful people and to help us to live honest and upright lives. We may certainly ask for deliverance from people who do not conduct themselves honorably, but ultimately, it is up to us to make our own decisions, no matter the people around us. As Christians, we should take the apostle Peter's exhortations (in I Peter 2:11-12) seriously, being determined to crucify our fleshly desires, live by the Spirit who is ever ready to help us do so, make daily decisions that honor and glorify God, have an honorable reputation with believers and those who have yet to say 'yes' to Jesus, and, most important of all, keep a close relationship with the Lord, especially through His Word and in prayer. It is in that daily walk of spiritual integrity that we are able to live an honest and upright life. Thanks for the teaching, Dr. G.