Keep Shining

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

One might assume that people who hold a high view of Scripture would automatically submit to its authority. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. There are people who believe the Bible is inspired, inerrant, and infallible, and yet they fail to obey it. That’s why we need to be reminded from time to time that God’s Word isn’t simply a book to be affirmed, but rather the truth to be pursued.

The people of Israel are an example of that. They prided themselves in holding God’s Word high and lofty, at the same time failing to heed its statutes. The Apostle Paul picked up on that and asked the Roman Christ followers, “You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal?” [Romans 2:21]

The reason for that instruction is that when we fail to obey God’s Word, it causes the world around us to think less of the God we claim to love and serve. Paul said it even more strongly, “You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” as it is written” [Romans 2:23-24].

When Israel disobeyed God, it led the Gentile nations to blaspheme God. That is comparable to our culture’s ridicule of God because of the sins of His people. I’ve often told my flock that  it hurts me to have to apologize for the sinful acts of people before I can witness to an unbeliever. 

You are the only Bible some will ever “read.” You are being watched and scrutinized daily. So the big question is: What do others learn about God from you? Does your life reflect an accurate picture of God?

Sure, Christ followers will always be reviled and maligned. It happened to Christ and it will happen to us. But please be sure that it is always for righteousness sake, and not for sin. Peter said it this way, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of His visitation” [1 Peter 2:12].

You are a light in this world. Keep shining brightly.

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16