Day 204

Instruction for godly living 

Key Verses: 4, 7, 12, 13

I find it amazing that things change so little over the centuries. Mormonism was started by just such a person. Like many in his age he was a spiritualist, believing that spirits wanted to communicate with him as medium. And demons did communicate with him through an elaborate scheme which ended in a new cult and tens of millions deceived. Multiple wives, magical glasses, ancient languages, mysterious teachings, hidden truths. These make up the stuff of fables.

 Watch out when you hear people restricting their diet because of religious reasons, especially if they claim Christ as their Lord. Everything is OK to eat as a Christian. All foods are acceptable, but not all foods are good for you. Some of us must watch our caloric intake. But there are no religious prohibitions on certain foods. Meat is OK. Lobster is OK. So, watch for those who want to put restrictions on your diet in the name of Christ.

There are other things that can get you sidetracked in your walk as a Jesus-follower. Paul called them godless myths and old wives’ tales. In contrast Paul says our energies need to be concentrated on training ourselves to be godly. Our time, energy and concentration need to be focused toward this goal, not chasing unimportant trivia.

I think our culture in particular gets pulled away from training in godliness through the trap of entertainment. I am guilty of this trap. I spend hours watching movies and old TV shows. Many get hooked on internet games and challenges. Some push the outdoor sports and recreation beyond their proper limits. Heading to the lake replaces heading to church. We vegetate rather than contemplate. Even good things can get out of balance.

There are five areas Paul outlines in verse twelve that should be the focus of our spiritual disciplines, in contrast to the wasteful pursuits. Speech, conduct, love, faith and purity. One of particular note jumps out of this list: speech. I our day and age where people are “free” to be individuals, freedom has pushed beyond proper limits. Would you want every word you speak to be broadcast for future generations, or perhaps future employers to judge you by?

Our words represent our inner character. If our language sounds like the language of the world, cursing, swearing, degrading, in short, falling downward rather than inspiring to aim higher, perhaps we need to rethink our language. “But everyone talks like this!” But we are not everyone. We represent Jesus who denied Himself for us. He gave up his right to do as He pleased. We can do the same.