When God pours out financial blessings, material blessings, blessings of employment, and various other areas, how easy is it for us to feel "regarded" or "esteemed"? We could say, "Oh Never! Not me! I wouldn't do that" But really think about that new position in the office, that car you have, the clothes you wear.. (the list could go on).. have you ever been guilty of this? Allowing your possessions to control you?
Paul wrote in galations 2:6 "but from those who were of high reputation (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality) well, those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me."
We can easily look at our lives and think "I'm not really a person of high reputation". Regardless where you are on the totem pole at your work, the church you attend, the children you are raising, the neighbor you are.. it's all a high standard, if you are in Christ. How do you portray your faith? Are you allowing that old sin nature to creep in and take over?
Reading further in Galations 2:20 " For I have been crucified with Christ; and it's no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me"
We are the body of Christ. Galations 2:28..."you are all one in Christ Jesus"
As a born again believer you represent the Savior of the World! That's a very high reputation to be accountable to. So how can we live up to those promises? By taking up the cross daily as Luke 9:23 tells us. It can't simply be a one time utterence of a prayer to receive this Savior, it's from deeper within, from your true heart of hearts, and daily taking that cross up to follow Him. Can we maintain a sinless lifestyle? No. We are not Jesus. Are we to try? Absolutley!
Galations 6:4-10 "each should examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one will bear his own load..." verse 7 "do not be deceived, God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life" ...verse 10.."so then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people especially to those who are of the household of faith."
Thessalonians 4:11-12 "make it your ambition to lead a quiet
life and work with your hands just as we commanded you, so that you will behave
properly toward outsiders and not be in any need"
~ Submitted by Jeni Morelock
