A
DEEPER LOOK AT CHRISTIANITY
It is easy to talk Christianity, but God
expects more. God expects action; Christian living. Christians must take a
deeper look at Christianity and come to understand the things involved in godly
living. Observe the following:
Take a deeper look at the works of darkness: Christians are to "have no
fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by
them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the
light, for whatever makes manifest is light." (Ephesians 5:11-13) Christians
must not practice, condone or defend works of darkness. They must actively
oppose those evil things. This is done through reproof of those things,
avoiding involvement in them, refusing to consider their practice and taking no
pleasure in the doing of them. Christians
must cause God's light to shine because the light makes manifest (known) works
of darkness.
Take
a deeper look at spiritual sleep: We must be careful not to sleep
spiritually. "Therefore He says: Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the
dead, And Christ will give you light." (Ephesians 5:14) Those who sleep spiritually need to awaken. Those
that are spiritually dead need to arise to real life. Every Christian must
receive the light of Christ. God's purpose is to awaken man from spiritual
death caused by sin to eternal life brought through Jesus Christ. Those that
turn sinners from their ways are imitating God. Let us go forth to awaken those
who are spiritually sleeping and dead.
Take
a deeper look at the wise walk. The challenge for Christians is, "See
then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise." (Ephesians
5:15) Some foolishly walk in sin. Others walk wisely. The life of those who
would turn others to the light must be a godly life. It does no good and, in
fact, does much harm for the unfaithful member of the church to try to defend
Christ or His kingdom. To "walk circumspectly" is to walk in the
right way; God's way.
Take
a deeper look at time and your use of it: "Redeeming the time,
because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:16) One preventative for sin and
wrong doing is to fill your time with good things. Brethren, do good
while it is in your hands to be able to do so. The time of opportunity passes
quickly. Let us double our efforts to
make wise use of our time in serving others and in evangelism. Their days were
evil because of great persecution. Our days are evil because of much sin. What
are you doing with your time?
Take
a deeper look at the will of the Lord:
"Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the
Lord is." (Ephesians 5:17) Christians should allow nothing, not even hard
times, to make them ignorant of their duty to God. Nothing should cause us to
neglect our souls. Knowing God's will and doing it under every circumstance of
life is true wisdom.
It
is our duty to do more than just talk. We must LIVE the Christian life. To become a Christian you must hear the
gospel (Romans
By Charles Box,