
Lately the theme of what God's been telling me has been about getting things in order--spiritual and emotional housecleaning, growing up, preparing. When you go to battle, you don't bring all your baggage with you, only what you will need for the battle. God is calling us higher, on to a new season that will require more commitment and accountability but the harvest from this will be so much greater than what we have seen in this last season.
When I read the above scripture, I saw a 50+ year old man, sucking on a pacifier and drinking from a baby's bottle. Funny image! But that's where so many Christians are and THAT'S not funny. Someone who has been a Christian for 30, 40, 50 years shouldn't be a carnal Christian who operates in the flesh. If they get offended very easily, battle against obedience, gossip, bring strife between people, don't submit to authority and still live like the world and say "grace, grace" to cover themselves, they're babies. Yes, I thank God for His grace and His mercy. Without it I wouldn't have made it through the past few years. I would pray "God don't let me die during this season. Give me time to get through this and get my act together again" But His grace and mercy doesn't mean that we NEVER need to grow up and be leaders of the faith, showing new believers the way they should go.
God has so strongly shown me that playtime is over. It's time to stop walking up to the "line" and sticking our toe over it just to see how far we can go. Those new believers need to see Godly men and women who don't go to the club on the weekend to hookup and then show up on Sunday morning. They need to see that we know God's Word and live it. Be good examples of the rewards that come to those who diligently seek Him. The rewards will far outweigh the costs.
I know that I am not the only one God is calling. Let's be Godly examples to those who need to see that we can live His Word and still have a fun, loving and successful life. I'm trying to get my act together, as I told God I would. I was born in the church and know better! Growing up as a PK, I was told to be an example. Now I WANT to be an example--a good ambassador for Christ and His Kingdom here!
Honor--commitment--and moderation in all things!
Arlene Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
All scriptures are NLT unless otherwise noted.
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