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.