I have been thinking today. I have felt sorry for myself, believed I should have been given credit for doing a good job, desired some words of appreciation for my extra effort, nursed hurt feelings, and become angry at a person who had been unkind to me several years back. Why should I even think about a long ago hurtful event? Sadly it only took a few minutes for my mind to race through this range of sinful thinking.
I am convinced that not keeping a tight rein on their thought lives is the downfall of many good people. Allowing a sinful thought to become a regular visitor to your mind means that in the near future that thought will take up permanent residence in your brain. Once it takes up residence, it will outgrow your thought life and become a part of your visible life. You will act on the sinful thoughts.
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV
So we are to control our thoughts.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV
So we are to rid ourselves of sin, not just in our visible, physical actions, but also our thoughts. What a challenge. We cannot control our thought life without the strength and wisdom from the Holy Spirit. Pray today for God to reveal to you areas of sin in your thoughts before they manifest themselves in your behaviors.
Lord, make me aware of sinful thoughts. Through the power of the Holy Spirit eradicate them so that every thought may be obedient to Christ.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
What's the Plan
I regularly use a Christian magazine titled Tabletalk as a guide for my daily Bible study. Today, three sentences from commentaries on 2 Timothy 1:10-14 profoundly affected my thinking.
• “The longer we have been Christians, the easier it is to take the glory of the gospel for granted.” Maybe this is why over time we tend to become less fervent in our Bible study and less excited about witnessing. We become complacent. But our relationship with God needs nurturing just as our relationships with our friends and family members need attention. When we neglect someone, our relationship with that person becomes less intimate, more distant. Why should we think our relationship with God can flourish if we take him for granted and do not actively listen to and communicate with him daily?
• “Were we to think on the mercy of our Lord more often, we would be far less likely to find ourselves ashamed of the gospel and far more willing and able to endure rejection for His sake.” What has God done for you and me? Reflecting on this question for only a few minutes brings me to my knees in confession of my sins and in thanksgiving for the mercy God has extended to me and those I love. So why don’t I boldly proclaim my love for Jesus, my Lord and Savior?
• “Christian faith is not revealed in intellectual assent to biblical doctrine alone but also in a true love for what God has spoken.” This statement caused me to reflect on my “quiet time” activities. I daily read the Bible. My time in Bible reading often involves seeking interpretation from reputable commentators and making marginal notes in my Bible on thoughts God reveals to me. I have memorized individual verses and Scripture passages in the past. But do I have a deep unrelenting love for God’s Word?
I used to have a well-defined Bible study, prayer, and Scripture memory program. However, my life has changed dramatically in the past month. I no longer can get up early in the morning and spend my first hour or two with God. I no longer can do my Bible memory work as I walk on the treadmill. I no longer have as much discretionary time to leisurely spend with God. I have been praying that God will draw me closer to him during this time of major lifestyle change. I am forming new habits and learning to adjust my activities based on the needs and schedule of someone else (my invalid mother-in-law). My time in God’s Word has to be set aside and carefully guarded. Over the past two weeks, I have figured out when and how I can spend my much needed time with God each day. What has been more difficult is finding the time for Bible memory. God has created a yearning in me for memorizing Bible passages. Because he has created the desire, I am sure he will show me the way as I need his word firmly planted in my head so I can refer to it throughout the day.
So do you have a time to read and study God’s Word built into your daily activities? Do you have a time set aside for more than a quick “thank you for this food” prayer at mealtime? Do you yearn to have God’s Word memorized so he can guide you during each moment of each day?
“ Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38 NIV
Lord, thank you for your word. Draw me close to you. Show me a plan to memorize Scripture. Through the power of the Holy Spirit give me the self-discipline to implement your plan.
• “The longer we have been Christians, the easier it is to take the glory of the gospel for granted.” Maybe this is why over time we tend to become less fervent in our Bible study and less excited about witnessing. We become complacent. But our relationship with God needs nurturing just as our relationships with our friends and family members need attention. When we neglect someone, our relationship with that person becomes less intimate, more distant. Why should we think our relationship with God can flourish if we take him for granted and do not actively listen to and communicate with him daily?
• “Were we to think on the mercy of our Lord more often, we would be far less likely to find ourselves ashamed of the gospel and far more willing and able to endure rejection for His sake.” What has God done for you and me? Reflecting on this question for only a few minutes brings me to my knees in confession of my sins and in thanksgiving for the mercy God has extended to me and those I love. So why don’t I boldly proclaim my love for Jesus, my Lord and Savior?
• “Christian faith is not revealed in intellectual assent to biblical doctrine alone but also in a true love for what God has spoken.” This statement caused me to reflect on my “quiet time” activities. I daily read the Bible. My time in Bible reading often involves seeking interpretation from reputable commentators and making marginal notes in my Bible on thoughts God reveals to me. I have memorized individual verses and Scripture passages in the past. But do I have a deep unrelenting love for God’s Word?
I used to have a well-defined Bible study, prayer, and Scripture memory program. However, my life has changed dramatically in the past month. I no longer can get up early in the morning and spend my first hour or two with God. I no longer can do my Bible memory work as I walk on the treadmill. I no longer have as much discretionary time to leisurely spend with God. I have been praying that God will draw me closer to him during this time of major lifestyle change. I am forming new habits and learning to adjust my activities based on the needs and schedule of someone else (my invalid mother-in-law). My time in God’s Word has to be set aside and carefully guarded. Over the past two weeks, I have figured out when and how I can spend my much needed time with God each day. What has been more difficult is finding the time for Bible memory. God has created a yearning in me for memorizing Bible passages. Because he has created the desire, I am sure he will show me the way as I need his word firmly planted in my head so I can refer to it throughout the day.
So do you have a time to read and study God’s Word built into your daily activities? Do you have a time set aside for more than a quick “thank you for this food” prayer at mealtime? Do you yearn to have God’s Word memorized so he can guide you during each moment of each day?
“ Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38 NIV
Lord, thank you for your word. Draw me close to you. Show me a plan to memorize Scripture. Through the power of the Holy Spirit give me the self-discipline to implement your plan.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Prosperity--You've Got to Be Kidding
The prosperity gospel preachers are wrong. Have they not read how God’s prophets were treated in the Old Testament? Have they not studied the life and death of Jesus? Have they not read any of Paul’s writings?
“Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked." 2 Corinthians 11:24-27 NIV
If a spiritual giant like Paul suffered so severely, how can I expect my life in Christ to be without any struggles? God never promised leading a life devoted to him on earth would be easy or pleasurable. Jesus did say, however, that he will give us joy, peace, and strength.
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:11 NIV
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 NIV
It is so hard and so threatening to witness for Jesus. What if they make fun of me? What if it ends up costing me money? What if others think I am weird? What if I will miss out on some fun? What if …?
So what should my attitude be when it comes to witnessing to others about my Lord and Savior? My goal is to be more like that great apostle Paul.
“So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel…" 2 Timothy 1:8 NIV
Lord, give me the words, timing, and actions to make me an effective and bold witness for you. Create in me the willingness to confidently testify with and provide encouragement for Christian friends.
“Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked." 2 Corinthians 11:24-27 NIV
If a spiritual giant like Paul suffered so severely, how can I expect my life in Christ to be without any struggles? God never promised leading a life devoted to him on earth would be easy or pleasurable. Jesus did say, however, that he will give us joy, peace, and strength.
“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:11 NIV
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV
"I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 NIV
It is so hard and so threatening to witness for Jesus. What if they make fun of me? What if it ends up costing me money? What if others think I am weird? What if I will miss out on some fun? What if …?
So what should my attitude be when it comes to witnessing to others about my Lord and Savior? My goal is to be more like that great apostle Paul.
“So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel…" 2 Timothy 1:8 NIV
Lord, give me the words, timing, and actions to make me an effective and bold witness for you. Create in me the willingness to confidently testify with and provide encouragement for Christian friends.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Heart Condition
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 NIV
So what is the condition of my heart? I like to think I have a kind heart that has only good in it. But today I had to face the truth of my human sin nature. I had to admit that all my good deeds are as filthy rags when compared to God’s holiness (Isaiah 64:6). Today in church we sang the song "Purify My Heart." It is totally astounding how God times these things, but the message in this song was what I needed to handle an incident that happened later in the day. I have to admit that my heart is only pure for a few short seconds at a time. It so easily reverts to being filled with the selfish, self-directed thoughts that demonstrate my level of depravity.
I remember once during my “baby” Christian days that I told someone I did not have any sin issues going on at the time. Now that I have grown in my understanding of sin, I am astounded that I could ever make such a statement. Yes, I am a Christian and I do endeavor to remove sin from my life by the power given to me through the Holy Spirit. But every time I think I have a sin basically under control, a major temptation accosts me. That is what happened today.
“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45 NIV
I am naturally a fairly verbal person so it is almost impossible for me to not expose my heart condition. For this reason, I study my Bible daily in some depth. I need to have God’s teaching freshly in my mind as I meet the challenges of each day. I also try to pray frequently throughout the day to keep me in close contact with God so that I will recognize his bidding and directions.
Well today something happened that opened up a deep emotional wound. It had scabbed over and was almost healed, but an innocent incident split it open again. I was hurt, vented to my husband about my hurt, and huddled up to nurse my wound. I rehearsed what I would say to the person as soon as the opportunity came.
The opportunity did come and God showed me that if I used my rehearsed speech I would be sinning. I would be speaking out of the selfish sin in my heart and not as a sincere God-worshipping Christian. I kept my mouth shut and found a way to avoid a destructive confrontation.
So as we face hurtful and difficult situations, turn it over to Jesus. Don’t let your sinful humanness rule for if you do your mouth will express your heart condition. Seek God’s direction and peace. He often uses fellow Christians to help us see past the current issues. Then look for opportunities to help a Christian friend when she needs encouragement to get through a tough situation.
“ But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness”. Hebrews 3:13 NIV
Lord, thank you for showing me that if I had said my prepared speech I would have been sinning. Please continue to grant me wisdom for my actions and patience with the persons involved in the hurtful situation. May my heart be as clay in your hands.
So what is the condition of my heart? I like to think I have a kind heart that has only good in it. But today I had to face the truth of my human sin nature. I had to admit that all my good deeds are as filthy rags when compared to God’s holiness (Isaiah 64:6). Today in church we sang the song "Purify My Heart." It is totally astounding how God times these things, but the message in this song was what I needed to handle an incident that happened later in the day. I have to admit that my heart is only pure for a few short seconds at a time. It so easily reverts to being filled with the selfish, self-directed thoughts that demonstrate my level of depravity.
I remember once during my “baby” Christian days that I told someone I did not have any sin issues going on at the time. Now that I have grown in my understanding of sin, I am astounded that I could ever make such a statement. Yes, I am a Christian and I do endeavor to remove sin from my life by the power given to me through the Holy Spirit. But every time I think I have a sin basically under control, a major temptation accosts me. That is what happened today.
“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45 NIV
I am naturally a fairly verbal person so it is almost impossible for me to not expose my heart condition. For this reason, I study my Bible daily in some depth. I need to have God’s teaching freshly in my mind as I meet the challenges of each day. I also try to pray frequently throughout the day to keep me in close contact with God so that I will recognize his bidding and directions.
Well today something happened that opened up a deep emotional wound. It had scabbed over and was almost healed, but an innocent incident split it open again. I was hurt, vented to my husband about my hurt, and huddled up to nurse my wound. I rehearsed what I would say to the person as soon as the opportunity came.
The opportunity did come and God showed me that if I used my rehearsed speech I would be sinning. I would be speaking out of the selfish sin in my heart and not as a sincere God-worshipping Christian. I kept my mouth shut and found a way to avoid a destructive confrontation.
So as we face hurtful and difficult situations, turn it over to Jesus. Don’t let your sinful humanness rule for if you do your mouth will express your heart condition. Seek God’s direction and peace. He often uses fellow Christians to help us see past the current issues. Then look for opportunities to help a Christian friend when she needs encouragement to get through a tough situation.
“ But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness”. Hebrews 3:13 NIV
Lord, thank you for showing me that if I had said my prepared speech I would have been sinning. Please continue to grant me wisdom for my actions and patience with the persons involved in the hurtful situation. May my heart be as clay in your hands.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Not Sure I Really Get It
Keeping the Sabbath—how am I supposed to do this? I want to worship and honor God on Sunday because this is what he commanded. But what is required?
"Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work...the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.” Deuteronomy 5:12-14a, 15b NIV
This is where I get confused. What is considered work? Is it okay for me to cook, make my bed, or put a load in the washer? Is it wrong for me to avoid the “work of cooking” by eating out which makes someone else work? I am loathe to venture into the topic of working a paid job on Sunday. Jesus in the New Testament does make it clear that we are not to be legalistic and be governed by rules in our observation of the Sabbath.
“Then he asked them, ‘If one of you has a son or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull him out?’" Luke 14:5 NIV
How am I to know what behaviors are acceptable on Sunday? I do not have a son, ox, or well. How am I to deal with current day conditions? Granted, Jesus is making the point that emergency situations are to be handled. He healed on the Sabbath, so kind and cheritable acts are also acceptable. This information gives me some direction. Tonight I read a passage in Isaiah which helps by giving a somewhat clearer vision of Sabbath observation.
"‘If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord's holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.’ The mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 58:13-14 NIV
So, to keep the Sabbath holy I must focus on God—on worshipping him with my whole heart. I am not to do as I please. I am to joyfully pray and sing to him. I am not to sit around gossiping or speaking idly. Instead I am to be praising God with my lips.
Lord, thank you for making the observation of the Sabbath clearer to me today. Keep revealing to me what you want me to do and not do on the day you have commanded us to set aside for worshipping you.
"Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the Lord your God has commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work...the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.” Deuteronomy 5:12-14a, 15b NIV
This is where I get confused. What is considered work? Is it okay for me to cook, make my bed, or put a load in the washer? Is it wrong for me to avoid the “work of cooking” by eating out which makes someone else work? I am loathe to venture into the topic of working a paid job on Sunday. Jesus in the New Testament does make it clear that we are not to be legalistic and be governed by rules in our observation of the Sabbath.
“Then he asked them, ‘If one of you has a son or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull him out?’" Luke 14:5 NIV
How am I to know what behaviors are acceptable on Sunday? I do not have a son, ox, or well. How am I to deal with current day conditions? Granted, Jesus is making the point that emergency situations are to be handled. He healed on the Sabbath, so kind and cheritable acts are also acceptable. This information gives me some direction. Tonight I read a passage in Isaiah which helps by giving a somewhat clearer vision of Sabbath observation.
"‘If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord's holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob.’ The mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 58:13-14 NIV
So, to keep the Sabbath holy I must focus on God—on worshipping him with my whole heart. I am not to do as I please. I am to joyfully pray and sing to him. I am not to sit around gossiping or speaking idly. Instead I am to be praising God with my lips.
Lord, thank you for making the observation of the Sabbath clearer to me today. Keep revealing to me what you want me to do and not do on the day you have commanded us to set aside for worshipping you.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Can I Say That?
"Shout! A full-throated shout! Hold nothing back — a trumpet-blast shout!
Tell my people what's wrong with their lives, face my family Jacob with their sins! Isaiah 58:1 THE MESSAGE
Boy, this is a tough one. I recently had to do just this. A mother was placing the needs of others ahead of the needs of her children. There is nothing wrong with helping others, with being a good Samaritan. As a matter of fact it is a good thing to assist and encourage those who are experiencing difficulties. Jesus instructs us to care for those who are facing struggles.
"’Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?’ The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’ Luke 10:36-37 NIV
However, meeting the needs of others is not always a good thing. It depends on your motivations. Is the motivation to be noticed and publically pronounced a good and kind person?
"Everything they do is done for men to see…For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:5, 12 NIV
Is the motivation to give yourself a warm fuzzy? If your bucket of self-esteem is low, do you find someone to help so you can convince yourself that you are a good person?
“Instead, it [your beauty] should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.” 1 Peter 3:4 NIV
So, when God gives you a task to help another Christian realize that they are exhibiting sinful behaviors even though by the world’s standards they may be applauded, you must follow God’s direction with sensitivity and kindness—with love.
Lord, give me wisdom in this area. It is so difficult to confront a sister in Christ about a sin. Give me the right words and the right timing. Keep my ego and my self-direction out of any encounter you are calling me to make for the purpose of revealing sin.
Tell my people what's wrong with their lives, face my family Jacob with their sins! Isaiah 58:1 THE MESSAGE
Boy, this is a tough one. I recently had to do just this. A mother was placing the needs of others ahead of the needs of her children. There is nothing wrong with helping others, with being a good Samaritan. As a matter of fact it is a good thing to assist and encourage those who are experiencing difficulties. Jesus instructs us to care for those who are facing struggles.
"’Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?’ The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’ Luke 10:36-37 NIV
However, meeting the needs of others is not always a good thing. It depends on your motivations. Is the motivation to be noticed and publically pronounced a good and kind person?
"Everything they do is done for men to see…For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:5, 12 NIV
Is the motivation to give yourself a warm fuzzy? If your bucket of self-esteem is low, do you find someone to help so you can convince yourself that you are a good person?
“Instead, it [your beauty] should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.” 1 Peter 3:4 NIV
So, when God gives you a task to help another Christian realize that they are exhibiting sinful behaviors even though by the world’s standards they may be applauded, you must follow God’s direction with sensitivity and kindness—with love.
Lord, give me wisdom in this area. It is so difficult to confront a sister in Christ about a sin. Give me the right words and the right timing. Keep my ego and my self-direction out of any encounter you are calling me to make for the purpose of revealing sin.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
No One Can See Me
“You have trusted in your wickedness and have said, 'No one sees me.' Your wisdom and knowledge mislead you when you say to yourself, 'I am, and there is none besides me.'” Isaiah 47:10 NIV
I venture to say that all of us have pulled a bugger out of our noses when no one was around and a Kleenex was not handy. We would not be seen and would breathe more comfortably. But if there is even the slightest chance that someone might see us, none of us would do such a thing! I was reflecting on this concept after being tempted to not go to the next room for a Kleenex today. As Christians, I wonder how much of the time we do things that we would not do if God was visibly standing beside us.
“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Colossians 3:9-10 NIV
So there is no wiggle room to tell “white” lies to make ourselves look good or kind. God seems to think a lie is a lie even if there is little chance anyone will know about the lie and it is an innocent, insignificant lie.
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.” James 3:9-10 NIV
So we are not to be brutal in our honesty either. It seems that God does not approve of cursing and harsh words about or toward others.
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” Matthew 15:19 NIV
So evil thoughts are even a “no-no” for the Christian. God knows about them. This verse covers sins that many of us do not admit to ourselves that we commit in our thought life. It is true that sins committed in our thought life are not seen by others, but they are known by God. This fact has caused me much unease. I do not like the idea that I harbor evil thoughts. My thoughts may not always be kind or productive—but evil? Well, yes, they are evil. Covert thoughts as well as overt actions are either pleasing to God or are pleasing to Satan. Sobering! I must not indulge my sinful thoughts if I desire to worship and serve God.
Lord, even though at some level I have long understood that all I do and think are known by you. Make me more aware of when my thoughts and actions are displeasing to you. Make me fully aware of your presence each second of each day.
I venture to say that all of us have pulled a bugger out of our noses when no one was around and a Kleenex was not handy. We would not be seen and would breathe more comfortably. But if there is even the slightest chance that someone might see us, none of us would do such a thing! I was reflecting on this concept after being tempted to not go to the next room for a Kleenex today. As Christians, I wonder how much of the time we do things that we would not do if God was visibly standing beside us.
“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Colossians 3:9-10 NIV
So there is no wiggle room to tell “white” lies to make ourselves look good or kind. God seems to think a lie is a lie even if there is little chance anyone will know about the lie and it is an innocent, insignificant lie.
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.” James 3:9-10 NIV
So we are not to be brutal in our honesty either. It seems that God does not approve of cursing and harsh words about or toward others.
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.” Matthew 15:19 NIV
So evil thoughts are even a “no-no” for the Christian. God knows about them. This verse covers sins that many of us do not admit to ourselves that we commit in our thought life. It is true that sins committed in our thought life are not seen by others, but they are known by God. This fact has caused me much unease. I do not like the idea that I harbor evil thoughts. My thoughts may not always be kind or productive—but evil? Well, yes, they are evil. Covert thoughts as well as overt actions are either pleasing to God or are pleasing to Satan. Sobering! I must not indulge my sinful thoughts if I desire to worship and serve God.
Lord, even though at some level I have long understood that all I do and think are known by you. Make me more aware of when my thoughts and actions are displeasing to you. Make me fully aware of your presence each second of each day.
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