Thought for Tuesday, January 17th

January 17, 2012

Be Careful - What You Do

Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.  But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.  But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.  Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.  But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Matthew 23:1-12

Quote of the Day

“Regardless of circumstances, each man lives in a world of his own making.”

-          Josepha Murray Emms

Today’s Thoughts and Insights

There is so much more to being a Christian – than claiming the name as a label.

The name or identification label of Christian is not so much about who we claim to be as it is what we actually do.

Yes, it is about being blood bought, redeemed and filled with God’s Spirit, but we need to be aware there are many who claim the name and profess the association but they do not bare the fruits nor live the lifestyle.

Being a Christian is about being Christ-like.  It means to commit our lives to striving towards emulating our elder brother and example, Christ Jesus.

It means being a servant; making sacrifices: giving more than is required and doing it with an attitude of gratitude that we have been honored with the privilege of serving.  It means rejoicing always: praying continually: studying perpetually: serving endlessly and loving all without thought for status or circumstances.  It means forgiving, witnessing, sharing, caring and devoting ourselves, as Jesus did, to fulfilling the will of the Father.

Being called a Christian in name only is of no good to you or to God.

Remember He has said many will stand before Him, saying Lord I’ve done this in your name, or I’ve done that for you; and He will say depart from me for I never knew you.

If we are true Christian’s our lives will be filled with the evidence of His presence in us and we will bear the fruits of His spirit to those around us.

Today’s Prayer

Father, you are so great, amazing, wonderful and supreme.  Thank you for all you are to me and help me to be more than a name only Christian, but help me, by your spirit, to be a living example of Christ-likeness to the world who needs to see Him and be changed by you.

“Christianity is a battle, not a dream.”

-          Wendell Phillips

“Let my Lifesong sing to You”

- from ‘Lifesong’ by Casting Crowns