not to us

I'm figuring out what it looks like to be radical in my faith.  If you're just joining me, you might want to read the first and second posts in this little mini-series.

When we recognize that sin is present in our lives, it is absolutely critical for us to acknowledge it and address it.  We must take care to preserve our witness...especially in the area of loving each other.  Jesus says, in John 13:34-35, that our love for each other will show others about Jesus Christ.

It is not about legalism, and it is not about earning our relationship with Christ.  Legalism does not please God...in fact, it was one of the most frequent subjects of Jesus' lectures.  He fervently taught against a strict adherence to a set of rules in order to gain God's favor.  The reason he cared about it so much is that he knew it was pointless.  The only way to gain God's favor is to commit to a life lived for Jesus' glory.  It has nothing to do with rules.  Likewise, even if we truly wanted to try, it is completely impossible to earn our relationship with Christ through good works.

We are given a relationship with Christ simply and only because God loves us (John 3:16-18).  That's what grace is...being given something that we do not deserve.  We do not deserve to be forgiven for the wrong things we've done, but, in His love, God has decided to do so anyway.

In light of that knowledge, it is truly critical for us to realize that God's grace is not an excuse to continue sinning.  Romans 6:1-4 clearly states that fact.  And Jesus is pretty darn clear about his feelings on sin in Matthew 5:29-30 and Mark 9:42-47.  Once we've been made aware of sin in our lives, we cannot ignore it, and we cannot tolerate it.  We must ask God for his help to fix it.

So, now that I've been given a clearer perspective on how well or not well I'm loving the people around me?  I plan to do something about it.

I am committing to read Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 13, Ephesians 4, Colossians 3, and 1 Thessalonians 5 at least once daily.  If I keep these instructions fresh in my mind, it is my hope that these attitudes and behaviors will become the nature of my character.  If I read these passages enough, it is my prayer that they will become written on my heart and embedded in my mind.  It is my sincere desire that my actions begin to flow from the heart and words of God.

I am also considering my options for a sure-fire way to begin to learn to control my words and to think before I speak.  My original plan was to wear a piece of duct tape over my mouth.  That way, when I wanted to speak, I would have to make a choice:  Was it worth the pain of removing the duct tape or not?  However, Mike brought up the point that CPS might not think very highly of that during our home studies.  And, even if I kept it off during our homestudies, Ruby would be sure to say something about it, which could be even worse!  If you have any ideas on how to physically remind/restrain myself and my mouth, I would appreciate the suggestions.

I'm dead serious about this.  I want God glorified above all else, and I am determined to love the people around me in a RADICAL manner.  That way, when I give my money to the poor or go preach the gospel to the ends of the earth, it will not be in vain.

Like the name of our website states:

Not to us, O LORD, not to us
but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness.
Psalm 115:1

Amen.