Romans 14:16 (KJV) “Let not then your good be evil spoken of.”

We know that we cannot live in a bubble.  We must be proactive in our communities, our jobs, our businesses, our church, and in every area were we are allowed to touch someone else.  We may say, its so hard to live a Christian life when you are surrounded by those whom do not share your beliefs.  This walk is so much more than a systematic belief but its a lifestyle.  It is what we think, how we think, what we do, how we do it, why we do it.  If we get the understanding of how and why behind the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives, the struggle of adapting to society will cease.

Romans 12:12 (NLT) says, “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.”

When I was in the world, if I had a disagreement with someone, I would curse them out, tell them what I thought of them, and not speak to them until I chose to let them back into my life.  I was very cut throat with people, it didn’t take much for me to dismiss you out of my life.  Now that God has renewed my thinking and I strive daily to do what is pleasing to God, I can no longer operate as it did before my transformation.  Why is that?  Because we are now a reflection of Jesus in us!  Yes, we know people are fickle and they waiver but it is our duty not to waiver.  We are to stand in truth and righteousness…no matter the situation!

Say you are a leader in the church.  At church you portray all of the visible signs of godliness.  But outside of church at home you have your favorite alcoholic beverage that you enjoy indulging in every once and awhile.  Whats done behind closed doors doesn’t hurt anyone right?  Wrong!  God is Omniscient!  He is everywhere, just because we meet Him in the sanctuary doesn’t mean He sits there in a box until next Sunday allowing you to do whatever you want throughout the week and play church again the following Sunday!  Nothing is hidden from God.  You may have a title, you may have been called but the Word of God says He searches the heart.  He knows the intent of the heart.  God knows when we are being sneaky, He knows if we are a fake, He knows when you are truly repentant.  And guess what!!  Your lifestyle will reflect it! This is what the bible calls “Fruit of the Spirit”, we should produce Good Fruit.

Lets use the same church leader who kisses and hugs everyone in the sanctuary but is as mean as a junkyard dog at work.  How do your co-workers see you?  Can they see the God in you?  Yes, its understood that we cant have church at work.  You are being paid to render a service.  But what are your mannerisms?  When someone at work rubs you the wrong way do you spread vicious rumors about them?  Do you cut them off and give them dirty looks each time you pass by?  Can the person you are at odds with see the light of God in you?  

What if that person were a non-believer?  What if it were told that you are a church leader?  How would your actions at work reflect how you operate as a leader in the House of God?  Would others be drawn to your place of worship?  Will they desire what you have?

My Apostle often shares His story of when he came back to the Lord after straying away for several years.  He said in his re commitment to God, he told the Lord that he desired such an intimacy with God that others would be jealous and desire the same thing.  Let me tell you, everyone I know that knows my Apostle has stated they desire the same close relationship with God that he has…WOW!  I often pray for it myself…I tell God how I desire to just sit and converse with Him..desiring nothing more than intimate fellowship!  Its so awesome to know that God will take time to just chill with you!  Not you seeking Him because you are in need of something but seeking Him just because…how wonderful!!!

This is the believers walk of faith family!  This is why we don’t compromise.  Its not for selfish gain but it for the onlooker…its for that lost soul who is just as precious to God as you are.  We live in a world that desires to see the real church and be amongst real believers.  Unfortunately, we are seeing many things in the church that have turned people away…why?  Because of compromise!  They see people in the church that aren’t living the way they should.  The people in the world read the bible family!  They know…and they watch.  People are tired of dealing with hypocrites!  People are hurting and lost.  They are seeking something that they have not been able to find because we are failing as representatives.  Our constant compromise is reflected in our lifestyles, in our attitudes, in our daily dealings with people.

Take a time of reflection today.  Ask yourself have you been an hindrance?  What do people see in me?  If your answer is I don’t care what others think then you need to go back to the drawing board because this is what its all about.  You are carrying a spirit of selfishness if you think life is about you and your salvation.  We are held accountable!  In Revelation we read about the day of judgement.  

Revelation 20:11-12 (ESV) “Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.”

What will be written concerning you?  What will God say when He brings to your remembrance your treatment of other?  Your selfishness?  Your inability to forgive?  Your disobedience?

Or will God say to you, “well done my good and faithful servant, enter into the rest of your Lord” Matthew 25:21

We are to die daily to the things of our flesh.  Colossians 3:5 (ESV) tells us, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”

Its inevitable family…we will all be accounted for.  I have to answer for the life i lived.  Each day is a new opportunity to do what is good and pleasing in the sight of God.  Make your choice…no more compromise!

Meditation verse – Matthew 6:24 (ESV) “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and the world.”

Blessings!!

Keishana