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Topic: Control (01/30/06)
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TITLE: Living a Life of Control | Previous Challenge Entry
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02/03/06 -
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What good is religion if there is no transformation of one’s life for the better? I cannot speak to all other religions, but I can tell you that true Christianity goes beyond the mind or the intellect to affect the behavior and actions of the individual. Anything short of that is substandard and not what Scripture teaches.
I realize that some Christians may not stress the importance of behavior—making Christianity only a matter of the heart. Others may overemphasize it, to the point of reducing Christianity to merely moral behavior. However, one truth remains. Faith due to a transformed heart is the only faith that is real. But do not take my word for it; let us go beyond my opinion to Scripture.
Concerning acts of charity and compassion: “We know what real love is because Christ gave up his life for us. And so we also ought to give up our lives for our Christian brothers and sisters. But if anyone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need and refuses to help--how can God's love be in that person? Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions” (1 John 3:16-18 NLT).
Concerning pleasing God: “Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us.” (James 1:27 NLT).
Concerning our reactions to others: “See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to everyone else.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15). And concerning unity and love: “Share each other's troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
These are just a sampling of instructions given to us by God concerning a controlled behavior—just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Now remember, these were not meant to be as a rule book, but rather a yard stick by which we can measure our own lives after the fact. The true essence of a real godly experience is that it comes from the heart. The Word of God simply keeps it from being so subjective.
Will this action please everyone? Will people be impressed? I cannot guarantee that. People can be very unfair and uninformed in their judgments. Some people base their opinion of you on whether or not you please them or do what they want. I believe that the essence of true Christianity is to live a life that resembles Jesus’ life.
Ultimately, God will render our final judgment, not man. But in no wise does that free us from the responsibility and obligation to live a life that benefits others and ourselves. The way we live our lives really does matter.
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