Tag Archives: distinguish

Who’s Leading Who?

Over the course of a year, there tends to be a couple of messages, sermons that I can’t avoid.  As conviction lingers, the truth conveyed doesn’t go away.  While laying in bed the other night, one thought kept repeating itself, “who’s leading who?”

When you enter into a new relationship, Romans 10:9-10, priorities should change.  However, if you are use to living a certain way, its hard to adjust or alter your lifestyle.  Although some Christians may talk a good game, yielding control over to Jesus as Lord can be a constant struggle.  Subsequently, some days you do it your way and occasionally you take God’s advice.

The apostle Paul suggests the an internal battle is brewing, Galatians 5:16-18, with sinful desires trying to remain in control.  Meanwhile, these distractions attempt to block your communication with God, Galatians 5:25.  The only way to distinguish God’s still small voice is by keeping in step with the Holy Spirit.  The Lord doesn’t force the issue.  Rather, the choice is yours: to live by the Spirit or indulge your fleshly desires.  Who’s leading who?  This answer will be revealed by the fruit that you bear, John 15:7-8.

by Jay Mankus

 

Making A Clear Distinction

In a world of diminishing absolutes, making a clear distinction between right and wrong isn’t what it use to be.  Shades of grey have entered the equation, leaving the truth uncertain.  To erase this confusion, one must shine the light of the Bible on this matter to distinguish the moral from immoral.

History reveals this struggle is nothing new as periods in time are filled with examples of people who blended in like chameleons, hiding their faith from society.  This pattern led Moses to challenge Israel to make a clear distinction between holiness and common citizens in Leviticus 10:10-11.  This lesson from the past should challenge us to examine our own lives to ascertain where do you stand?

When you’re feeling good about yourself, pride will lead you to hold a higher view than your actions actually display.  On the other hand, when your day of humility comes, you might feel like the apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 1:15.  Despite the good and bad that you do, Jesus still wants believers to shine their light, Matthew 5:13.  Like the childhood song proclaims, don’t hide your light anymore, make a clear distinction today by imitating God, Ephesians 5:1-4.

by Jay Mankus