We've all heard this expression; "Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car". Most of us pretty much just giggle at it and decide it applies to someone else, right?
The truth is harsh.
It has everything to do with us, especially when we tell people, including ourselves, that we belong to Christ thus making us Christians.
What does that mean, anyway?
If we believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that he rose from the dead and is seated in heaven at the right hand of his father that should be enough, right?
The only way to the Father is through the son, right?
There is a little more to it than that.
Titus 1:16 tells us that if we profess to know God, but deny him by our works (actions), we are detestable, disobedient and unfit for any good work.
There's that harshness again.
So what can we do that will show our good works?
We can start with our behavior. God is watching us, he misses nothing.
1 Peter 2:9 says we are to be a peculiar people. That means we’re different, we don’t behave like pagans. We behave differently, we are no longer attracted to heathen thinking. We are new in Christ, we are also described as a chosen generation, a royal priesthood. We are to show forth the praises of him who called us out of darkness. into the marvelous light. We are to be representatives of Jesus and conduct ourselves accordingly. God will be there for us, and that is a promise.
A few months ago, I was working part time processing clothing at a department store. I really enjoyed the work, although I needed more hours. My community was preparing for the annual motorcycle rally when I came across a job for a part time cook for one of the vendors at the local Harley Davidson Store. I applied, was hired and given a schedule. The next day, the person who interviewed me called me and asked me if I would be interested in something more permanent.
It seemed her daughter was the GM at a local hotel which was in need of a breakfast cook.
It all happened so fast I felt like I just fell into the job. It was kind of odd. I accepted the position, and began questioning my decision to do so almost immediately. My immediate supervisor was a hothead, prone to temper tantrums; during which he would say some very unkind and insulting things to others. The hotel brought on yet another chef, this time with a very impressive degree from the Cordon Blue. She had no intention of putting up with the hot head, it only took him insulting her twice before she threw down her apron and walked out the door.
In the meantime, the Holy Spirit told me that I would not be there much longer myself. His words provided me with much food for thought and I began to wonder what was going to happen that would bring on my demise. .
Silly me. We can never, ever out think God!
Soon yet another Food and Beverage Manager was hired, the third in less than six months. This guy hailed from New York. His self adoration left very little room for the need for anyone else to grow fond of him. He was prone to angry outbursts complete with some of the most foul language I have ever endured. He claimed that foul language, fits of rage and occasional flying objects were all par for the course in restaurant land. Once foul language came out of his mouth, it was as if the staff took it as license to go crazy with him at the lead. I knew then why my papa God didn't want me there to deal with it.
The next morning I was pushing a char grill out of the way so I could roll in my flattop, something I did every day. On this particular occasion, for some crazy reason, the grill tipped over.
I was shocked and beyond flabbergasted! How in the world?
The boss came out of his office to see what the crash was and began yelling and screaming obscenities at me. He then grabbed his phone and began to "document the incident".
It all seemed so surreal. I knew exactly what was going to happen next and it did. I got fired
God is so good. The word that he gave me not only prepared me mentally for something to happen that would end my job, but also provided me with a peace that surpassed all understanding and the knowledge that I have a father in heaven who loves me so much that he doesn't want me to be subjected to the heathen behavior and language that was going on at that workplace.
We are a peculiar people. In this world of filthy language, lies and trickery He defends us and allows us to show that we are different, we are indeed peculiar. We don't take part in pagan behavior. We are His. So do not be afraid to be different! Don't be afraid to be Godly and worthy of the seat in Heaven next to Ashua. We ARE different and our works show it, or at least they should. We are a cut above because we belong to Him.
In a side note, when I went in to pick up my final paycheck, the front desk associate informed me that the new executive chef had been fired.
Gods a busy man!
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