Greetings all ,
The best thing we can do to be a positive influence upon others is to faithfully follow the Leading of Christ , so that when others see / hear us , they see / hear Him .
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. <-----> John 13:20
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. <-----> 1st John 5:2+3
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. <-----> John 13:35
Recently , there was a show on PBS where different religious leaders were trying to describe what their faith was about ... and perhaps sad to say , but the Buddist leader , was more Christ-like in his expression than were the others from various denominations called Christian .
Which doesn't mean Buddism is more Christian than Christianity .
It means a man is primarily recognized by how he is , not what name he is called .
Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
For there is no respect of persons with God. <-----> Romans 2:9-11
Jesus doesn't approve of people using His Name for status or social acceptance .
For those things are meant to be obtained through showing ourselves to honest , humble , sincere , caring , thoughtful , just , kindhearted , merciful , pure minded , etc.
All of which we who believe in Jesus should be receiving via the Virtue of His Spirit living within us .
But then there are those -
And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel: only let us be called by thy name, to take away our reproach. <-----> Isaiah 4:1
Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:
Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. <-----> Isaiah 29:13+14
And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. <-----> Ezekiel 33:31
One can see this also happened to the Jews to a great extent . For they began to trust that they were God's chosen , simply because of the calling upon them .
But what does Jesus say -
...Many are called, but few are chosen. <-----> Matthew 22:14
Wherefore we are exhorted :
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. <-----> 1st Timothy 6:12
...My brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints . <-----> Ephesians 6:10-18
More walk , less talk .
May The Lord Be Pleased To See To It . In Jesus Name . Amen .
