Appearance is important to a lot of people. And whether you realize it or not, appearance goes way beyond dress to include how we act in front of others. Unfortunately, I've found that a lot of people, even in the church, seem to be two separate people the majority of the time. While at church they act one way, and when they get home they are someone completely different. One thing that my Bishops and Pastors have always asked is: "Does your audio match your video?" In other words are your speech and actions lining up and matching each other? More importantly are your speech and actions lining up with the Word of God and His plan for your life?
This is a heavy charge that we have been dealt, but it isn't impossible to fulfill. We just need to insure that we purpose ourselves to walk right everyday and that we ask for assistance from our willing helper, the Holy Spirit. I wake up every morning (at least I try to) and during my time in devotion, I ask the Holy Spirit to give me the words to say and to lead me where I should go. There isn't a point in my day where I want to act as just Shaneeca. Not only would I be allowing my flesh to reign but I would be ignoring whatever mission God had for me that day. So if there ever is a time (and trust me there will be), when you are tempted to say something that you know is completely wrong you need to cast that thought down. It is out of the character of a Christian and you need to consult God, and ask Him to give you what to say. It's not like God will ignore you. He will give you what He wants you to say, and also He will let you know if you should be quiet. Your main question should be: "Are you be pleased with my talk?" And the same goes for our walk. Our desire should be for God to be pleased with everything that we do.
Colossians 3:23 says, "Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than people" (NLT). So everything that you are doing should be for God and not man. You are not working just to receive man's approval, don't be fooled! The only one that matters is God! He is the one who holds your very breath in His hands, and He is the one who can take it away. Even if others try to rise against you, the weapon will not prosper unless He allows it. So let's get to the point here, it is essential that we are real with others. Why, you may ask?
Whether you believe it or not, people are looking at you! And not only are they watching, but they are looking for examples of righteous living. I'm not saying that you should walk around like you are as holy as they come, but people should be able to look at your lifestyle and know that it is possible to live without compromising. As a Christian you are a living example of God's word, at least you should be. When Christ was here He was an example of righteous living. He wasn't saying one thing and then doing another. I'm not trying to point the finger at anyone, but it is important that we live what we preach!
There have been quite a few times that I have had to deliver apologies to friends that I may have led astray because of my actions, but thank God He opened my eyes before they were lost completely. God places people in our lives for a reason. A lot of the time people are merely watching you and the things you do. They don't always need to hear something from you, but seeing you working without complaining is a testimony of God's word. When they witness you talking the same inside and outside of church that is a testimony of God's word. Whenever someone sees you helping your brother or sister, that is indeed a testimony of God's word. It's time out for saying one thing and doing the complete opposite. It's like you can't make up your mind about what you want to do! And God doesn't find any glory in that. In fact, Revelations 3:15-16 says this: "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!" (NLT). So be very careful about acting funny! We have to make sure that our attention is fixed on God.
When we shift our attention back to God and His acceptance then appearance becomes less important. It is then when our actions will start to look the same no matter who's looking. Because then we will only care about the one who sees at all times...GOD.
I believe with all my heart that we are living in the last and evil days, and that the Lord is soon to return! It's time out for playing church. This is the time to form a relationship with Jesus for yourself. I can honestly say that getting closer to God has been the best thing for me. Before I took the time to read my word everyday, and have quiet time with God I felt like something was missing. Now, I was saved and filled with the Holy Spirit. But I wasn't giving God any of my time, instead I was looking for things that I could busy myself with. Now, more than ever I am looking for His approval before I move out. I don't say things just to say them, but I can honestly say that I am being REAL. Not just with myself, but with others. One of the worst things you can do, is confuse someone on this walk and be the reason they do not make it to heaven. Please, don't be that person! Be real, and show your brothers and sisters that it is possible to make it in. I want to hear my Lord say, "Well done, my faithful servant!" not "Depart from me, for I know you not!" What will He say to you on that day? That is what it's all about...it's not about how good you look on Sunday; how well you can sing, or dance; but it's about making it into heaven where you can live eternally.
Be Encouraged,
God's Servant
P.S. Greet the Holy Spirit every morning. He was sent here to be our comforter and helper. So much changes when you choose to acknowledge Him, and begin to ask for the help that you need! Walk in love, and be an example of righteous living. Be REAL.
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