July 17, 2019
Psalm 15:1-2 … “O Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy hill? Those who walk blamelessly, and do what is right, and speak the truth from their heart…” vss. 1,2
For better or for worse, people have high expectations of those who claim to be in a loving relationship with God and who take time each week for worship. Even non-churchgoers sense that such folks should be living exemplary lives and doing what is right. In other words, walking blamelessly is just part of the job description for those who call themselves “Christian.” Of course anyone who has hung around a church for any length of time will know that this isn’t how it works. “Christians” are capable of every kind of nastiness and evil that can be found in the general population. Being a believer doesn’t make a person sinless. As a result, some would say that people just need to lower their expectations for Christians, and that could be true. But at the same time, is that what we really want? Shouldn’t we, who walk in the way of Jesus, hold ourselves to the highest standards? The psalmist certainly believed that was true for the people of Israel. Why should it be any different for those who are baptized into Christ? Some might argue that our salvation is by grace and not by works, and again that’s the truth. But why should believing in grace keep us from living lives that are beyond reproach? We should be different! That’s what it means to be the light of the world!
Thought for the Day: How have my faith convictions changed my life?
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