Ever met one of those people who says one thing and does something else? I think we all have. Perhaps we’ve struggled with that in our past. Maybe you’re dealing with one right now in the home, on the job, or in your neighborhood. It happens in the church too. Many don’t think others notice or pay attention to it because it is the church. Point is: How much the more should the family of God notice and be bothered? After all, truth and purity are extremely essential in the body of Christ.
The fact is, you know who has credibility based on what they say and how they act, react, and respond. For the one who claims Christ as Lord and Savior, the credibility factor better surpass that of anything else found in the world. In other words, you are an ambassador of His love, character, grace, and mercy and this must shine through. Not only in words, but in actions. When you say, “I’ll do this,” “I’ll be there,” “I’ll get back to you,” or even “I will pray about that” – you have given your word. Read up on what Jesus says about your word, in light of His Word. There is no shortage of instruction and guidance through the Gospel records.
In these days there is so much that is “relative” and “subjective” – so we are told. People operate and negotiate life on feelings and emotions alone, others are led to believe that any decision regarding anything in life is open for interpretation and is case-sensitive. It is heartbreaking to see Christians fall into this trap of sin. It is gut-wrenching to witness believers fail the test of credibility; not just once, but over and over again. Even worse is how gossip, and rumor, and speculation can really destroy one’s own credibility. Just remember, we are to be sons and daughters of the truth no matter what the cost of that may be to us, personally.
Survey your credibility. Are you one that is credible? Do your words and actions go hand in hand, all the time? Are you selective in who you are credible with? Do you minimize the seriousness of your credibility because you don’t think anyone notices or cares? No matter what your “testimony” has been regarding credibility, today is the day to truly give it to God. Don’t delay another second, surrender it right now. God is a great God and He wants our credibility to be an example in a darkened world, and He has made full provision for this to occur.
Jesus said: “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanet place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:34-36).
Be credible…go shine!
Pastor Porter
PastorPG's Blog 