Acts 20:35 NLT
And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
The example that we are will speak more to the people around us than the words that come out of our mouths.
What we “are” speaks so loudly that people can’t hear what we are saying.
It was vitally important to Paul that his example was intact because his message would have been tarnished if he didn’t.
1 Corinthians 9:27 NLT
I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.
If we are going to be influential and persuasive with the message of grace, how we act in others’ presence is essential.
Does this mean that we will be perfect in everything we do?
Of course not, but when we find ourselves in a situation where we are not acting the way we should:
1. We stop – Ask God to forgive us.
2. We ask anyone we offended by our actions to forgive us. (The only time we may not do this is if there will be further harm to those involved, seek Spiritual guidance from another who is mature in their faith)
3. Move on, doing our best not to do it again.
I would go as far as to ask others to watch me and help me not to do it again.
We will wrestle with this for the rest of our lives, but if we submit our hearts to God’s Word, this should become easier over time.
Romans 7:14-17 NLT
So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
So what do we with this? Do we throw our hands in the air and give in to this?
No, we lean into the Word of God. We lean into other believers for support and accountability.
Hebrews 10:23-25 NLT
Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Joshua 1:8 NLT
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.
Living like this is not a “one and done” activity. We need to focus on this often, daily.
Romans 12:2 NLT
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
The only way to change our minds is by exposing our minds to the Word of God consistently.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your Word and the Word’s ability to change our lives.
I pray for a constant desire to be in Your Word, and I pray for the strength and courage to allow it to change the way I think and act.
I pray that my life makes a difference for those around me and that I focus my efforts to meet the needs of those You place in my path.
In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray, Amen!! 🙏❤️
