Strong Argument!

Many Scriptures can be pointed to as proof of what God expects. Nevertheless there are lots of people who refuse to accept verbal claims. Jesus pointed many to God’s intent in the principles of the Law and yet there were those who would not accept His teaching. However, when it came to the manner in which He walked on this earth, that power was hard to deny. It was difficult to argue with the CONSISTENCY BETWEEN WHAT JESUS TAUGHT AND WHAT HE DID. Many of the Jewish leaders who tried to trap Jesus with their questions had great difficulty trying to explain away the works He performed. Our Lord’s actions spoke powerfully as to Who He was and His link to the Heavenly Father.

Someone has said, “The strongest argument that can be offered a skeptic is a godly life.” [source: list of sentence sermons]

Perhaps there are some who do not believe because they see those who call themselves “Christians” living as if they did not believe. As we walk in the steps of our Lord, our life should also be lived in powerful testimony to the One in Whom we believe and for Whom we are to live (note Romans 14:8) our life.

Peter exhorted…
“(11) Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. (12) KEEP YOUR CONDUCT AMONG THE GENTILES HONORABLE, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may SEE YOUR GOOD DEEDS AND GLORIFY GOD on the day of visitation.” ( 1 Peter 2:11-12 ESV)

First noting Peter’s negative warning and then his positive affirmation regarding MANNER OF LIVING reveals our choice of CONDUCT in life has the potential for impacting more than merely ourselves, but also those who observe our actions. While we live our life under the critical and even judgmental and slanderous eye of the world, consistent GODLY LIVING will make our proper actions difficult to be honestly argued with. Our aim should be for our DAILY ACTIONS to be salt and light ( Matthew 5:13-16) to the end that God will be glorified.

To the church at Thessalonica, Paul noted his prayer on their behalf.
“(11) To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and MAY FULFILL EVERY RESOLVE FOR GOOD and every work of faith BY HIS POWER, (12) so THAT THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS MAY BE GLORIFIED IN YOU, AND YOU IN HIM, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” ( 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 ESV)

Though we ought to always be prepared to give an answer (or defense) for the hope that we have ( 1 Peter 3:15), there are situations when the most powerful and best answer will be the GODLINESS of our life. In the process our Lord will ultimately be glorified and He will be glorified in us. May we be mindful of living to make it so.

Have a great day LIVING LIKE A TRUE BELIEVER!
Carl

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