. . . the deity of Jesus Christ. If He is only man, then He cannot save us no matter how gifted or unique He might be. If He is not God, come in human flesh, then the Christian faith is lies -- not truth.
If our homes and churches are to be true to Christ and oppose false teachers, we must know the truth. How do we learn the truth? By carefully studying God's Word and allowing the Spirit to teach us; by listening to others who are true to the faith; and by practicing what we learn.
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth; Thy Word is truth.
We must learn the truth with our minds, love the truth in our hearts, and live the truth by our wills. Parents should teach their children to love the truth. Thank God for Sunday schools, vacation Bible schools, and church camps; but its also the home that must instill in children the knowledge of God's truth.
. . . paying our bills, and keeping our promises.
Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
"Walking in wisdom" also means that we are careful not to say or do anything that would make it difficult to share the Gospel. It means we must be alert to use the opportunities God gives us for witnessing. "Them that are without" are the unsaved, and they need Jesus.
"Redeeming the time" is what women do when they find a bargain. They buy it. Wise Christians seize opportunities to win souls to Christ.
With grace in our hearts and on our lips, we will be faithful witnesses and not judges or prosecuting attorneys.
. . . selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. Is that how you love God or do you just kind of like Him?
Romans 12:9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
Dissimulation is hypocrisy. In order to have an earthly spiritual love life with Christ, we need conviction. Abhor evil and cling to that which is good. Real love is not a wishy-washy emotional experience.
Our problem with conviction is that its not as strong as it used to be. We've become desynthesized to sin because of the world we live in. It doesn't affect us like it used to.
Agape Love may be seen in how you treat people, preferring others over yourself. Kindness and a positive outlook glows on you no matter what happens. A broken love breaks the heart of Agape Love.
You need to be excited about what God is doing for you. Something is wrong with your spiritual love life if negative attitudes replace enthusiasm for Christ.
Are you walking with Him -- following His will, or are you ambling down your own trail?
