It’s so encouraging when we see a Christian whose words of faith line up with his or her steps of faith — one who walks the talk.
We’re reminded by this spiritual integrity of what pleases God and affirms the value of a 2 Corinthians 6:17 “set apart” lifestyle.
We’ve all felt the disappointment of watching a Christian relative or friend throw his or her faith under the bus in a sad chase of ill-gotten money or a pleasure-based dating relationship or bitterness-based revenge.
It not only wounded our hearts to witness this destructive behavior, but it also incrementally weakened the influence of the Gospel among non-Christians observing the misdeeds.
I believe we’re to speak patient, prayer-guided, grace-filled words of influence toward those who claim Christ but who defame the faith.
I believe we are to pray for the leading of the Holy Spirit to gain authority in their lives.
We cannot, however, force them to change their ways.
Listen, as sad as it is to see the wrong lifestyle label being worn by some other believers, it is important that we make sure to be wearing the right label ALL the time.
Isaiah 61:10 makes reference to a robe of righteousness. When we choose Christ and are baptized, the Bible says, we put on Christ (Galatians 3:27).
That means we’re given a robe of righteousness at our conversion.
This is not a robe to take off whenever we feel it’s convenient so that we can gain the things and pleasures of the world.
This is to be 24/7 thing.
Here’s a verse from today’s segment in the One-Year Bible:
“Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning, because God’s life is in them.” (I John 3:9)
Will we be perfect in sinlessness? I’m certainly not and you aren’t, either.
We CAN, though, hold ourselves accountable to quickly repent before the Lord and train ourselves to avoid making the sin into a practice of our lives.
As we become more spiritually mature, we’ll sin less often.
That’s a sign of sanctification, of more effectively wearing the robe of righteousness, the uniform of faith.
Don’t be like the spouse who takes off his or her wedding ring when someone really attractive enters the room.
Wear your robe of righteousness with integrity and purpose.
All the time.
It’s the lifestyle label the world needs to see.
As always, I love you
Martin
