Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Lifestyle Choice



~ Choose Your Lifestyle ~

The Word of God describes our former lifestyle—without Christ.

In God’s Eyes Our Former Lifestyle Was Corrupt and Deceitful  ~  But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:  that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:20-24). 

In God’s Eyes It Was Deteriorating  ~  “You were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19).  

In God’s Eyes It Was Filthy  ~  Oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked” (2 Peter 2:7b).

Fortunately, the Word of God also describes our new lifestyle—with Christ as our Savior.

It Is a Changed Lifestyle  ~  “The purity and reverence of your lives” (1 Peter 3:2b). 

It Consists Of Honest Dealings With Others  ~  “Conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12). 

It Produces a Good Reputation and Witness In The World  ~  “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.  For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:15-17).

God’s Eyes and Ears Are Directed Our Way As We Live Our New Life  ~  Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.  For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers” (1 Peter 3:11-12a). 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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