How Christians Should Live

I am participating in a Bible study at my church.  And these words are jumping out of the book at me:

"As Christians, what we live daily really matters because it reflects what we believe, and what we believe is crucial to the witness of our lives.  Our daily life should be the acknowledgement of what our heavenly Father has provided for us through His Son.  And our lives should attest to the fact that the Holy Spirit's work is vital.  But without these truths showing forth in the lives of believers, indivudually and corporately, all is futile.  Nothing is more damaging to the cause of Christ than for people to say they are Christinas and then not live as if they are."  (LeRoy Bartel)

If you are going to SAY you are a Christian, then you must live like a Christian.  ALL THE TIME.

If you are going to "talk the talk" then you HAVE to "walk the walk."

If you aren't going to live it, then please don't talk it.

It breaks my heart when I read a Facebook post from someone talking about the Lord, and how much He means to them.  But the next post contains a picture of them at a bar surrounded by bottles of alcohol.  What kind of a witness is that?

It saddens me when people I go to church with, who profess to be believers,  post inappropriate jokes on Facebook.  Do you really think your non-Christian friends who read your dirty joke will take you seriously when you try to share the Gospel with them?

We live in a world that teaches it is our own business what we do in private.  Nothing could be further from the truth, Biblically. You may hide your actions from your friends or family, but nothing is hidden from God.

Right is right and wrong is wrong. 

If you are straddling the fence in your words, or in your actions, I urge you to step back and ask yourself "Is _______ (insert your language or behavior) glorifying God?" 

Does the way you talk or the way you act draw you CLOSER to God, or farther from Him??

Folks, we get ONE CHANCE on this earth to make a difference for Christ.  You know that old saying "you only get one chance to make a good impression?"  Well, sometimes you only get one chance to be a witness to someone.  Either they see something different about you, something that makes them want what you have, or they see you just the same way they see themselves.

So this year, take a stand for Christ.  No, none of us are perfect.  All of us make mistakes.  But be INTENTIONAL about your life.  Think before you speak.  Think before you join in with the crowd.  And if you have ANY DOUBT about whether what you want to say or do is pleasing to God, always err on the conservative side.

Matthew 7:15-20 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.   You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?   Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.   A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.   Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Therefore by their fruits you will know them."