Heaven must be in me, before I can be in heaven.
by Charles Standford
God expects us to live according to His Word. Many people today are trying to mold God into who they want Him to be, filling their lives with compromise and false teachings.
"And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple" Luke 14:27 (NIV). Jesus' audience was well aware of what it meant to carry one's own cross. When the Romans led a criminal to his execution site, he was forced to carry the cross on which he would die. This showed his submission to Rome and warned observers that they had better submit too. Jesus spoke this teaching to get the crowds to think through their enthusiasm for him. He encouraged those who were superficial either to go deeper or to turn back. Following Christ means total submission to him and death to ourselves.
How can we lead others to Christ if we settle for a life of compromise? How can we preach to others about serving the Lord if they do not see the example in our lives? Are we truly "walking the talk"? Do others really see Jesus in us?
Following Christ and living a Christian life is not an easy task but the rewards are incredible at the end of the journey! Our God is there for us 24/7 no matter what time of the day or night we choose to call upon Him. He offers peace and joy and will always walk with us through every circumstance this life throws in our paths.
If we are not reading our Bibles and spending quality time with Jesus how can others see heaven in our lives? We cannot give away what we don't have. To many folks we are the only example of Christianity they may see. We must live our lives according to God's Word. We need to be imitators of Christ so that those around us can see heaven in us.
Denise at ShortyBear's Place is hosting "In 'Other' Words" today. Visit her site and the links to the other women who have shared in this quote.
Blessings friends!
Oh! friend! You are so right. There is so much false teaching out there. You ask, "How can we lead others to Christ if we settle for a life of compromise? How can we preach to others about serving the Lord if they do not see the example in our lives?
ReplyDeleteWE CAN'T!
God's Word is crystal clear on so many things - including the ONLY way to heaven.
We've got to read it and reflect it or we are no better than the world.
You always give us truth!
Happy Tuesday!
Have a Wonderful Holy Week!
~esthermay
As we show off our pictures of places we have traveled to we need to show off Heaven by the way we live so others may choose to go where we plan to go.
ReplyDeleteAmen! By example. Jesus taught by example. Thanks for sharing your perspective.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! We are not to comprimise... Bless you dear....
ReplyDeleteIt is so true, "We can't give away what we do not have." Thank you for sharing today the truths of God's word.
ReplyDeleteHow true your point is about reading our Bible and spending time with the Lord. We may be the only Jesus some people get to see. Great IOWT post.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I love the part about not compromising and about how we should stay in the Word and spend time with Jesus so we can reflect Him!
ReplyDeleteI love how you tied this in with the cross and our need to take it up and follow Christ. You're so right...it's not easy, but necessary. Gorgeous picture, too. Sorry I'm a little slow in posting and participating this week.
ReplyDelete