Does It Feel Hot In Here?

“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything.” 1 Corinthians 6:12

Paul tells us in this scripture that because of our faith in Christ, we are no longer under condemnation of the law. But he goes on later in the chapter to explain that our bodies are members of Christ’s body. Therefore we have a responsibility to whatever we allow into our bodies, minds and spirit.

The bible is full of cautions about plunging headlong into practices that could drag us down – chipping away at our faith. If we dabble in those things long enough we run the risk of eventually going against God’s will for our lives. The old story of the frog in the pan of water is a true warning. As the heat is slowly turned up by our selfish desires and lack of awareness, we don’t even notice that we have reached the boiling over point. Then it’s too late – we have crossed the line once again. We let ourselves be deceived into thinking we could manage on our own.

This is when we find we have been mastered by our indulgence. What seemed innocent at the time now has us back into the bondage we were so happy to be rid of. And we discover that we have worn ragged the relationships of people who have tried to support us.

But there is a Savior waiting to restore us. Jesus will catch us when we jump from the fire. It takes time to heal from the burns and brokenness, but He has strong arms and a longsuffering heart – enough to get you back on track. But you must take that leap!

Thank you Jesus that you stand ready to restore me once again. Forgive me for my indulgence and carelessness.

How Bright is Your Light?

"For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true."  Ephesians 5: 8 & 9

Living as people of light is the call of this scripture. Sounds easy enough. We just need to behave, be nice and do a good deed here and there.

This is not the definition of the kind of light mentioned here. The greek translation of this word "light" here mentions "luminousness" and "fire".

It's not enough just to not do bad things. To illuminate is to bring attention to something - to make something easier to see. And fire brings to mind an intense light, one that catches your eye. That is what we are to be - a light strong enough to call attention to Jesus. Our attraction is the fire that burns intensely enough to make others take notice. Blending in is not escaping the darkness. Only living in the light will do that.

A plant that doesn't get the proper proportion of light will not bear fruit. The world needs much more of the fruit that we have to offer through the Lord. We are called not to be Chameleons, blending into our surroundings for our own protection, but the fire that calls the world to come and see the Jesus that lives in us.

Lord, make me burn bright with the light of your righteousness that I may draw others to You.