Isn’t it nice when Christianity comes naturally to us? When we do the right thing because it’s easy?
When life flows around us like a warm summer’s breeze, and we simply reach out and receive God’s blessings?
NOT!! That doesn’t resemble the life of a Christian by any measure.
Read what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 8:21:
“For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man.”
The New International Version (NIV) says it like it really feels:
“For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.”
It sometimes hurts to do what’s right. We give extra in the offering, and we don’t have money left to pay the light bill. We bite our tongue when we want to make a sharp retort to a rude co-worker, because we’re in the right, and we’re not being treated fairly.
There’s nothing natural about turning the other cheek or offering someone our shirt when they ask for our coat.
We must take pains to do what’s right. And we must be seen to do so. We must walk in the way that God approves of . . . and in the way that’s right before people.
Ouch! That seems too much to ask.
Welcome to the life of the committed Christian, where we figure out our walk with God one struggle at a time, one day at a time, one divisive co-worker at a time.
Here’s what’s vital in this: never give up. Do what’s right. Follow the teachings in the Bible, live according to the example of Jesus, and show love to people every time we open our mouth.
That’s the path God plans for us. It’s out there. Let’s walk it.
Living in love is the Christian way.
Copyright © 2021 MyChurchNotes.net
Code: FGO.E.26.20c.vp.esv/niv