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Think, Prove, Practice and Abstain
by Kathy Ledbetter Can't we all recall memories and things our parents, grandparents and other family have told us through the years? Traditions? They entrust us with the character and honor of the name passed to us. Care for those things. Be true to them. In the same way, we as believers are members of another family. The family of believers...Christians. The Apostle Paul asked that we also hear and adhere to some things from our spiritual ancestry. Think on things of old. The prophecy's and teachings of the past before Jesus, in the Old Testament writings. Add the New Testament teachings when Jesus walked among humanity. Take them to heart and consider them seriously. Make them a part of who you are. Prove, study and try every doctrine for yourself. Get into the study of God's word. How will we know if we are being deceived unless we search the scriptures ourself? There are so many treasures waiting to be found. There are many voices interpreting scriptures. Prove what you are hearing. Consider the author. Practice what you know to be true. Hold to it and carry it with you. Refer to it throughout your day. Live it before others. Abstain from the appearance of evil. We as believers have a responsibility. We are not to cause any to question or stumble because of our behavior. That part may be the most difficult. The days we live are full of opportunities to involve ourselves in evil doings. We ought to be ready to pause...think what we are about to entertain and make a proper judgement. Integrity is crucial in our walk with Christ. We are to live righteously before God according to His word and plan for us...not what others think we should be doing, but what God is directing us to do. If we live a life of integrity through the teachings of Christ and walk in His way, we will find those who will criticize because we may not be doing what they have set as the standard. We should be concerned about the standard set by Christ. He is the One we live for. We are to balance our life and witness. Be the reflection of God. Scripture For Today: 1 Thessalonians 5:20 20 Do not scoff at prophecies, 21 but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil. (NLT) I celebrate fifty years married to the love of my life in January 2017. We have two beautiful daughters, son-in-laws and four precious grandchildren. I love to study God's word and write about His love for us. (C) 2015 Kathy Ledbetter All Rights Reserved www.hellofatherdevotionals.com Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |