Watch Yourself, Oh Man of God
As much as you strive to be the light God has called you to be, be careful when handling the weak and fallen ones in the faith that come to you.
Eight Characteristics of Godly Thoughts
In Philippians 4:8, Paul enumerates eight characteristics of godly thoughts that should predominate the believer’s mind. Knowing them will help you discern your thoughts well to know which ones are of God, yourself and of the devil.
Two Prerequisites to Seeing the Manifestation of God in Life
If you want to see God’s wondrous works in your life, there are two things scripture recommends that you do — pursuing peace with all people and holiness. Do it by divine enablement with intentionality.
Keep Yourself Pure
As servants of God, we’re ambassadors for Christ wherever we go. Therefore, if people want to see Christ, we’re the ones they should come to. And that requires us to live a highly disciplined life in sync with God’s standards.
Two Reasons to Abstain from Sinful Desires
God is good. Even though He’s your Father and Master, He is loving and caring. He knows sin can destroy you. That’s why He has provided whatever you need to live in abstinence to it. Use that privilege by the empowerment of the Spirit.
Put Away Fleshly Desires
Just because you’re saved doesn’t mean the battle to put away fleshly desires the devil suggests to you has ceased. Give no chance to the devil. Don’t say you’ll live pure in God’s house and do evil deeds outside it. No! God is omnipresent. He’s always with you, so live as you’ll do in Christ regardless of location.
Fear God to Depart from Evil
To depart from evil, you don’t need human tactics. You just need to fear God. Reverence Him in all your ways.
Be an Example to the Believers
See, no matter what you do, people are watching you. Unbelievers won’t understand your Christianity. That’s why Paul didn’t say we should be an example to everyone (but to believers alone). You don’t have to live to prove anything to anyone. But you must know that God is watching what you’re using that one life you have now to do. Live to please God so privately and consciously that your life will serve as an example to other believers, even without you knowing.
Depart from Iniquity
We live in a world that lies in wickedness (1 John 5:19 KJV). And that means situations that’ll trigger compromise of God’s standards in us will come in multiple folds. That’s why we must take a firm stance. Decide that “If what I’m doing exalts God, I’ll do it with all my heart. And if not, I’ll resist it with all the strength of Christ in me.”
Flee from Sexual Immorality
Understanding why God has given you a body for the Holy Spirit to dwell in and becoming conscious of it is an even more powerful way to flee from sexual immorality. Why? Because you’ll learn how to control your body and use it purposefully.
Take Care of Your Body
Steward your own body in a godly manner because it’s God’s, not yours. Live unto God, and don’t let anyone pressure you to do ungodly things with your body.
Let No Person Despise Your Youth
If your predecessors failed to live like Jesus, you’re not obliged to follow that trend. Live with intentionality, knowing very well that the builder of your life is Jesus.