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There is a popular idea that has gained a lot of traction in our world, nation and even our churches today. Today, people are looking for excuses that allow them to do things that they want to do. I know this has been going on since the dawn of time, after all even Cain tried to deflect his killing of Abel. Today, with the advent of things like social media and the internet where one’s actions can be seen and analyzed instantly, we have to be much more discerning in our actions and judgment. When we accept Jesus as our Savior we also accept that we are called to an even higher calling.
God has given us a calling to present the Gospel. This means that our lives and the way we live them should be a consistent showing of the Gospel. Paul gives us a great idea of what that should look like in our lives.
In Philippians 2:4 – 8, Paul points out those of us who are believers are supposed to live like Christ. We are called to have the mind of Christ, being humble even to a death that He didn’t deserve to die but did it for us. Jesus’ mind was on one thing, the will of God. How can we stay focused on God’s will in a place where everything wants us to believe there is no God?
One very key way of doing this is to remember that God calls us to go beyond what we believe we have a right to do. We must keep in mind others before ourselves. In I Corinthians chapter 8, Paul specifically discusses whether or not Christians are allowed to eat meat that has been sacrificed to idols. Paul says that just because the believers have the right to eat the meat doesn’t mean that they should, especially concerning new believers that may think the idols still may have some sort of power and begin to worship them. This reflects Jesus’ words of loving your neighbor as yourself. Just because something is a “right” or is “lawful” does not mean that those in Christ should engage in it. Paul also discusses this in Romans 14:13 – 23.
Paul was willing to deny himself of any gratification, if his conduct was likely to be the occasion of leading others into sin. Even from that which was in itself lawful he would abstain forever, if by indulgence he would be the occasion of another's falling into transgression. But how rare is this virtue! How seldom is it practiced! How few Christians and Christian ministers are there who deny themselves any gratification in things in themselves right, lest they should induce others to sin. And yet this is the grand principle of Christianity; and this should influence and guide all the professed friends and followers of Christ. This principle might be applied to many things in which many Christians now freely indulge; and, if applied, would produce great and important changes in society.
Do we compare ourselves to others, or do we compare ourselves to Christ? Comparing ourselves to others only gives us reason to say that we are good enough. But according to the Bible we are not, nor will we ever be good enough. But that is the beauty of God’s grace. God’s grace makes us good enough to be called the children of God and to fulfill the higher calling that God has given for each of our lives.
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