Effective Witnesses...

You have heard me say many times, “our fleshly nature is at war with our spirit”. For us to be effective witnesses for Christ, we must discipline ourselves inwardly. We must use discernment when it comes to giving our affections to worldly things. We must see God as the first great “Cause” of everything. We must live live properly among our unbelieving neighbors. What we say, how we act, and what we prioritize, makes a huge and lasting impression on all those watching; especially those watching and waiting for us to mess up. We must recognize sin and respond appropriately. We must pursue knowing God and truth. And we must constantly survey God’s blessings in our lives. The world’s ways are in direct opposition with God’s ways. If we don’t keep that in the forefront of our minds, we will slowly assimilate into the status quo and no longer be an effective witness; salt that loses its flavor is only good for throwing out. But if we do insulate ourselves with God’s truth, and not allow ourselves to be heavily influenced by the world, then when people accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior and give honor to God. It all starts with staying focused and keeping your affections in the heavenly realm.

11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when He judges the world. 1 Peter 2:11-12