Actions: Lead Others To Christ or Away

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. (Colossians 4:9 NIV)

Motivating Monday!

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands. If your mad and you know- wait, don’t stomp your feet. Children may be viewing actions. It’s scary when our children behave in like mannerisms. It stops me in my tracks, and then relieved I’m trying my best to please God with all my actions, even though times I fail.

Actions

A relationship with Jesus cannot be all one sided. If so, we have not fully committed taking Christianity serious. What happens…living like the world becomes a way of life, and making Sunday service each week soothes one’s soul. However, behaviors are always seen by someone, especially our children. I read an article recently about a pastor who encouraged another pastor to place alcohol in a neutral glass to not upset anyone. Leaning towards end of my 4th decade, I’m grateful I was raised in a time when pure truth was preached. Consequences from sin were discussed. Pastors feared The Lord, more than feared being politically correct. Sadly, it’s much worse than this…some creating their own version of God’s Word to justify their sin, leading people astray.

Right/Wrong

More than not, most behaviors are based upon another person’s actions. Back to psychology 101, stimuli presented, reaction made. In order to stop bad cycles, we understand scripture when stating- making sure we do not sin. In order not to sin, we put into practice, God’s desired actions for us. We do have a right and wrong guide within The Bible. I don’t understand when pastors disregard The Bible as guidelines for right and wrong. Jesus and all authors in the Bible, give clear instruction on God pleasing actions, and sin to avoid. Oh, how easy to stomp our feet. Though when taking Christianity serious, we mature beyond wanting to stomp, instead respond with kindness, or stay silent until we can. Our Pastor stated this weekend, “There is strength in silence.”

Whatever is…

Paul, author of Colossians, had an encounter with God, leaving him blind for a few days. He later received his sight back with new vision, living for Christ. Let’s be motivated to renew our vision for Christ, by being mindful of our actions and thoughts. Take captive any negative thought, leading to self-doubt or sinful situations. Colossians 4: 8 encourages us to think of such things as whatever is true, whatever is nobel, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think on such things. Sounds like pure bliss…Let’s gear our minds towards these thoughts. God’s peace will be with us.

Be encouraged!