What Must We Do?

I seem to be apologizing a lot lately, but again I am sorry. I know today is Tuesday and I said I would be here Monday. My life seems to be in a small twister lately. But rest assured, you are important to me.

Okay...

So we talked about imitating Jesus and his love for righteousness. He also had a love for people. That is why his ministry was food for him. Despite his tiredness and hunger he made sure they were spiritually fed. Said of him:

"On seeing the crowds, he felt pity for them, because they were skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd." Matthew 9:36.

And his message prepared them for the fast approaching destruction of Jerusalem. Something that they could not conceive of happening. So they, the honest hearted then, also had to prepare themselves by making some changes.

Changes?

Yes, they were doing good to follow the Christ and listen to his words, but that wasn't enough.

Would you become a patient of a doctor who only went to class, although he got all 'A's? Would you not want him to have some work experience too?

Is Christianity only about reciting words? ... I know, of course not!

However, can we pick and choose what we want to adhere to and still be considered Christians?

Would you hire someone for your business who had their own ideas on how it was supposed to be run? Would you not suggest that they get their own business? And then would you support theirs knowing that they were doing it in opposition to you?

It is the same with Christianity. Jesus set the pattern. Any in conflict are Christians in name only. Christians wear the new personality mentioned in Ephesians 4:22-24:

"You were taught to put away the old personality that conforms to your former course of conduct and that is being corrupted according to its deceptive desires. And you should continue to be made new in your dominant mental attitude, and should put on the new personality that was created according to God's will in true righteousness and loyalty."

The 'old personality' is composed of the works of the flesh mentoned in Galatians 5:19-21. As a person follows Christ he makes spiritual progress, he gradually gains mystery over undesirable traits.

Interested in what they are:-? ... please read.

Okay...

Sounds hard? ... maybe a bit? ... Is anything worth having an easy breezy cakewalk? 

As we cultivate godly qualities, others are likely to see that you are 'walking by God's spirit' and displaying it's fruitage. Galatians 5:16, 22-25. This is God's requirement for those who want to imitate Christ, His Son.

Time that we ask ourselves some pertinent questions: How are we doing with the 'fruitages of the spirit' in our relationship with our family, friends, neighbors, etc.?

Are we lenient when it comes to strangers, they get the royal treatment, but we expect our family members to understand what we have to go through on a daily basis, so we pull the short end of the straw for them? 

Does that endear us to them or vice versa?

Alright my toes are a little sore...I must stop and massage them a bit.

I'll be back:-)