Just before Paul dictated these words – the belief is that his ‘thorn in the flesh’ was poor eyesight, possibly from his experience on the way to Damascus – Paul had shared the ways believers should be behaving. Older men, older women (who were to teach the younger women), younger men, and slaves were to be given direction.

And the reason for the behaviors described is because as believers, their actions were more than just everyday actions. Their words and deeds reflected or removed Christ’s love in the sight of those who saw them. And there WERE people watching.

Same for us, y’all. There are people watching us. Some of them live in our homes with us, little ones who will model our every move. Some are coworkers, some are club members, some are strangers. Some are trying to live as believers, and some are lost.

It seems an impossible onus, yet the Lord said we’re to do these things, so they are very possible.

Let’s look a little deeper… Grace. Undeserved. We didn’t ask for it. We can’t earn it. It is a gift that may seem unfathomable, but is actually quite real. God’s Grace gives us salvation – to every human who is alive or has ever lived.

Saved from what? Eternity is real and a long, long time. We will all live it. The whole thing. God’s salvation offers us the choice between eternity WITH Him or WITHOUT Him. We have a taste of eternity with Him, because He inhabits this world. He is in His people. It’s not a full understanding, though, because evil also exists in this world.

For those who accept God’s salvation, this world is the only taste of hell they will have.

For those who reject God’s salvation, this world is the only taste of heaven they will have.

Salvation is a choice.

Those who choose it are expected by God to live certain ways – to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures.

We
must
choose
God
over
self.

We become God-pictures to the world. We should daily choose God, to walk in His wisdom, righteousness and in devotion to Him. Thus we are a display of His grace and love.

And the good news is, we don’t have to do this on our own – the Spirit of God lives in us to help us!

I sincerely hope you have chosen to accept God’s salvation. If you have not yet done so, let’s talk.

Believers, let’s take a few minutes to check ourselves today against this scripture. Are we living what it says we should be? If not, let’s make some adjustments today. No putting it off!

Coffee, Bible, Journal.