We, so lightly, repeat the facts we believe and are reminded of at church. We then go out and act as if they are just cute ideas for good feelings or for others to apply, but not basic principles that should guide how we do the dishes.
FACT: All material things will melt and pass away. ACT: Don’t be materialistic. “Use things and love people, don’t use people and love things!” Do live for God holy lives; work hard to be found in peace without spot or blame; be steadfast, always increasing in grace and in knowing Jesus. 2 Peter 3:11-18
FACT: I am immortal. ACT: Learn from the past but do not wallow in nostalgia or remorse, grabbing hold of the present opportunity to minister to fellow believers and evangelize the dead in their sins, looking unto Jesus and heaven so as to live in the now with peace and passion. Philippians 1: 23-26
FACT: I am dead to sin. ACT: Copy the reaction of a corpse to such things as defending yourself, responding to lust, addictions to food, sports, alcohol, video games, etc. Romans 6:11
FACT: I am alive to God. ACT: Be glad when they say to you, “Let’s go to church.” Psalm 122:1 Copy a puppy when its master says, “Want to go for a walk?” Savor the beauty and wonder of God’s creation. Psalm 26:7, etc.
FACT: My sins have been forgiven and buried in the deepest sea. Psalm 103:12 ACT: Accept the completeness of his forgiveness and see yourself as a new creation, so grow, witness, share, and delight in your clean, righteous, forgiven state.
FACT: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ACT: Pray out loud, read the Bible at church, evangelize the lost, set calm, caring limits on those who need them. Love the unlovable. etc.
Well, you get the idea. The next time you think about a Biblical principle, ask the Holy Spirit, “Show me how to ACT IN THIS FACT!”
(PS: Please take time to send me comments and questions for my blog. Anything goes. And if any of this is encouraging or challenging, please consider sharing with someone else.)
