When we try to take the credit for something God has done, we are no better—worse. When we flaunt our good deeds for all to see or pretend to be something we’re not, we become hypocrites—pretenders of the worse kind. Eventually we’re sure to be found out.
The conscience is an interesting human faculty. It defines the moral code by which a person lives, or at least hopes to live by. As far as I know, everyone has a conscience. But it’s also clear that not everyone lives by the same standard of conscious morality.
When I see a football player do his “touchdown dance,” pound his chest, and point to himself after a touchdown, I must wonder. It’s as if he’s saying, “I’m the only one who accomplished this task! I’m the greatest!” Too often our ego gets in the way of recognizing who gave us the opportunity to succeed.
In Matthew 24, Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “What will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?” (vs. 3) Then, throughout the rest of the chapter, Jesus laid out for them what they (we) can expect.
We are directed by Scripture to continually look for ways to encourage, assist, inspire, and devote ourselves to others. If we truly love others the way we want to be loved, we are doing the will of our Lord. When we model a Christlike love to others, we testify to the character of God living within us.
Nowadays, we face many social and peer pressures to conform and be compliant. People tell us “not to rock the boat”, but to trust political leaders and media sources that try to intimidate us. It is noteworthy when someone stands up for their faith and convictions, others gain confidence to join with us, for courage is contagious.
That’s our destiny and our charge, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life, and grace… If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk, and act as He would. Knowing Him is so much more than simply quoting scripture and going to church. It’s living the Word as life unfolds day to day.
Our culture wants to discourage believers by dispelling the claims of the Bible. Many of the social icons within this nation are a host of blasphemers and hypocrites. Our societal norms have been adjusted to accept all kinds of behavior that only two decades ago would have been ludicrous. Even a few of those running for political offices around the country deny that our moral compass is off. It would seem that getting the vote is more important than taking a stand. Some suggest that charisma is more important than character.
One day as he rode along a trail, his horse stumbled. Houston spontaneously cursed, reverting to his old habit. Immediately he was convicted of his sin. He got off his horse, knelt on the trail, and cried out to God for forgiveness. Houston had already received Christ, but God was teaching him to live in fellowship with Him moment by moment.
There will always be those who challenge our faith in Jesus by saying, “How can Jesus be the only way to God and Heaven? I believe that all religions lead to God. We all get to God by different roads.” Nothing could be further from the truth.
I find too many believers are struggling with personal issues taking away the joy of their salvation. And then there are the many believers who have conflicts with others in the church. We may have forgotten what the Apostle Paul said to the Ephesians: “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you”.
The West Coast Offense has lots of motion from the running backs and wide receivers. The many short passes in this offense allows gifted runners to break tackles in the open field and gain much yardage. I know I need help calling the plays in my life. I appreciate knowing that the ultimate Coach and Counselor runs my West Coast Offense.
Ask the Lord if there is someone who needs your hand to pull him on board. It might take some sacrifice, but there’s a life at stake.