“Love the Lord, all you faithful ones! For the Lord protects those who are loyal to him, but he harshly punishes all who are arrogant. So be strong and take courage, all you who put your hope in the Lord!”
Today’s verses are a snapshot of an authentic Christian. Let’s check it out.
First, a Christian loves the Lord. My love for the Lord is somewhat like my love for my husband. Romantic love waxes and wanes after 9 years of marriage, just like feelings of spiritual excitement ebb and flow. I choose to show “everyday” love for my husband in my daily actions and in my long-term commitment, no matter what happens or how I feel. I also show God “everyday” love by spending early morning time in Bible reading and prayer and by living in obedience, even when I’d rather do my own thing.
Christians are also faithful and loyal to God. Faithful means taking time every day to listen to Him and speak with Him. It also means regularly worshiping and participating in a church body. And Christians are loyal—they don’t give up their faith even when they are suffering, confused, or frustrated.
One thing you will not see in the life of a true Christian is arrogance. God is displeased when someone is proud, selfish, and unteachable. I ask God often to reveal any traces of selfishness in my life, and help me remove them.
Authentic Christians are strong and courageous. I think of the armor of God described in Ephesians 6:10-18. God gives us this battle gear: power, truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, his Spirit and his Word, and prayer. We don’t have to be strong or courageous in ourselves—God provides all we need for warfare!
Finally, a true Christian puts her hope in the Lord. As a Christian mother, I never give up hope that my three little ones will grow up to be authentic servants of Christ. I don’t worry that my efforts to pass on my faith will be wasted, because I trust that God has a perfect plan for me and my children.
What characteristics of an authentic Christian are you exhibiting, and which ones might you need to work on, with God’s help?
Copyright 2009
Showing posts with label selfishness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label selfishness. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Psalm 26:2-3
"Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and affections. For I am constantly aware of your unfailing love, and I have lived according to your truth."
How many of us are bold enough to ask the Lord to cross-examine our daily lives? When I focus on my failings, this verse seems so intimidating. But I have learned that when I seek out God's opinion on my heart's desires, what He reveals to me is always for my good.
When I ask God to show me if I have any selfish motives in a decision, he always answers that prayer! As my husband faced several job changes in the past few years, selling our house became a perennial source of contention, because I was unwilling to let it go. This is the house we built from the ground up, even clearing the trees ourselves. Our house was built in the same area where my family has lived for six generations. And as many moms do, I dreamed that this house is where we will create many lasting family memories.
In many different ways, God spoke to my heart as I pleaded with him to let us keep this house. He slowly and gently revealed to me that I had made the house an idol, allowing it to serve as a source of security and comfort, which only God can satisfy. So, as the verse describes, my motives and affections were tested, and God was very patient with me during the process. As difficult as it has been, my willingness to surrender this house to God--even though the house has belonged to Him all along--has strengthened my faith immeasurably.
We are still living in this house, and I still want to keep it as long as possible. But I am learning that I am a steward, and this house is a gift from the Lord. My job is to enjoy it and care for it, but not to put my trust in it in any way. I have peace that the Lord will provide for us and clearly show us if or when we should put it up for sale. And my surrender has also improved my relationship with my husband. We are learning to respect one another's point of view about the house, and to sometimes agree to disagree. If I hadn't asked the Lord to test my heart about the house, I could not have experienced these blessings.
Are you bold enough to ask the Lord to test your motives and affections? I guarantee He will answer that prayer for you.
Copyright 2009
How many of us are bold enough to ask the Lord to cross-examine our daily lives? When I focus on my failings, this verse seems so intimidating. But I have learned that when I seek out God's opinion on my heart's desires, what He reveals to me is always for my good.
When I ask God to show me if I have any selfish motives in a decision, he always answers that prayer! As my husband faced several job changes in the past few years, selling our house became a perennial source of contention, because I was unwilling to let it go. This is the house we built from the ground up, even clearing the trees ourselves. Our house was built in the same area where my family has lived for six generations. And as many moms do, I dreamed that this house is where we will create many lasting family memories.
In many different ways, God spoke to my heart as I pleaded with him to let us keep this house. He slowly and gently revealed to me that I had made the house an idol, allowing it to serve as a source of security and comfort, which only God can satisfy. So, as the verse describes, my motives and affections were tested, and God was very patient with me during the process. As difficult as it has been, my willingness to surrender this house to God--even though the house has belonged to Him all along--has strengthened my faith immeasurably.
We are still living in this house, and I still want to keep it as long as possible. But I am learning that I am a steward, and this house is a gift from the Lord. My job is to enjoy it and care for it, but not to put my trust in it in any way. I have peace that the Lord will provide for us and clearly show us if or when we should put it up for sale. And my surrender has also improved my relationship with my husband. We are learning to respect one another's point of view about the house, and to sometimes agree to disagree. If I hadn't asked the Lord to test my heart about the house, I could not have experienced these blessings.
Are you bold enough to ask the Lord to test your motives and affections? I guarantee He will answer that prayer for you.
Copyright 2009
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