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Topic: Betrayal (02/16/04)
TITLE: Betray me again By Emily Skurka 02/22/04 |
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We are used to revealing the joy that is made possible by our salvation in Christ in many intentional ways. We pray, participate in ministry and missions, and joyfully sing hymns. It’s relatively easy to do, because we are prepared and “on guard” that we will be called upon to show our saved personas.
But what about revealing our joy in unintentional ways? Often, when we’re not thinking about it, we reveal not our saved selves but the fallen side of our natures. At least two confessed Christians have told me that they are aggressive drivers and don’t have the fish symbol on their cars because they don’t want their driving behavior to be associated with their faith. I, myself, am prone to get irritated, swear, and bang things when I’m alone and no one can see me or hear me. I forget that God can always see me.
When we truly experience the joy that Christ brings us, we betray it in many ways even when we’re not thinking about Him consciously. As we grow in faith, our behavior does become transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Prayer, meditation, and daily Bible reading make us aware of the transitory nature of our lives and transform our response to daily stresses from one of irritation to one of realizing that these are light and momentary in the context of eternity.
This is what He wants. He wants us to betray him over and over again, in private and in public. He wants us to reveal to the world--by our words, actions, and reactions--the joy that is possible in Him. By doing so, we help bring about His kingdom on Earth.