We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this. - 2 Corinthians 4:2, NLT
How do we represent Christ in our everyday lives? What does it mean to live righteously in a world that loves nothing more than to pervert what God has created, i.e., sexuality, purity, marriage, morality, etc.
2 Cor. 4:2 sums it up perfectly — calling us to reject shameful deeds and methods that do not hold integrity. What is not of the King must be rejected. We are not of the world. While we must live in it — as there is no other option — we are not of it.
We bear the Imago Dei, the image of God, and as Christians — literally, ‘little Christs’ — we are called to reflect His character and likeness to the world. This means we cannot look like God and the world at the same time. At times, it may be tempting to simply go with the flow in order to ‘keep the peace’ or ‘not rock the boat.’ Hear me: Jesus went as far as to flip tables when those in His Father’s temple were defiling it from the inside out. Do not deceive yourselves by looking the other way when you see sin — if you know the Word of God, then you know better and must carry that responsibility to do better. We cannot claim ignorance, knowing the truth and not abiding by it.
There is certainly grace for the moments we fail and fall short. We are going to miss it sometimes, because we are merely human (Romans 3:23). In that, we cannot turn a blind eye to what Scripture calls evil, sinful, lustful, or perverted — all of which come from the enemy himself. It takes a conscious denial of the flesh that yearns and longs to contradict the Spirit of Christ within us. The Holy Spirit longs to lead, guide, and mold us to be more like Him. He is the catalyst which changes us, reshapes our ways of thinking, and helps us to become more righteous —reflecting Him more and more. We stay true to the Word of God by speaking truth, remaining in integrity, and adhering to His moral code and conduct. He is our very compass for holy living.
What you feed, whether flesh or spirit, will determine the fruit produced in your life. Whichever of the two wins will decide what grows bigger in your life. If we feed the flesh, the wrong strongholds will come, gripping our minds, spirits, and lives. If you feed the spirit, you will walk in freedom and victory over anything that tries to ensnare you.
Two thoughts to ponder on through this week:
The first is for your mind. What are you feeding, and what are you feeding on? The second is a question for your heart. Are you making it a place where the Holy Spirit can call home or where the devil has a playground?