©2001 Charles Darby
Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. (KJV)
When a man and woman marry they become as one. No longer are each entitled to do as they please without consulting the other. Maybe we should all reread the vows we made. When both are true to their vows good will result. God will bless the union. The opposite is true if vows are not kept.
If one doesn't use caution in going into debt both will suffer. How each conducts themselves in public reflects good or bad on the other. We are also “known by the company we keep.” Most every thing one does affects the other to some degree.
When children come along what they do affects not only themselves but also all the family. When children, as well as parents, have credit cards they must use them properly. Having a driving license and using a car brings responsibility.
Most will agree that the above is true. Marriages have failed because one or both failed to take their responsibility serious. Broken homes have resulted because children refused to be accountable for their actions. We all must grow up and realize someone other than self is affected by what we do.
Why is it so hard for us, having been joined to Christ, to realize our responsibility? What we do reflects on, not just us, but all the body of Christ. The church is one body. When one part of the body fails to function properly all the body suffers. When the body suffers so does the head. The head is Christ.
While it's true we are saved by grace this has never been a liberty to continue in sin. Grace is also a teacher. Teaching us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts and live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world. We are, through Christ, to depart from iniquity. If we don't we will become a vessel of dishonor.
Today is our time to witness and let the light of Christ shine through us. While in this present world, it's our opportunity to show what Christ is like. It won't be needed in heaven; all there will know Him!
Not only is our reputation at risk our Lord's reputation is, as well! People will judge Christ on what they see in His Bride, the Church. We are not our own, we are bought with a price. The broken body and shed blood of Jesus paid the price for us. We are His ambassadors to this generation. Let us live and walk in newness of life, giving glory and honor to our Father in heaven.
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