Jude 1:20-23
But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear–hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
Somewhere along the line we have perpetuated the notion that the church is only reserved for saints who have their act together. This is totally false! Not only is it false, it is pride, arrogance and will drive people away from the Lord instead of drawing them to the safe harbor of salvation. Let me explain just a little about what we can see in our churches. There are those who have been in the pews so long it seems as if they have been there since the days of Moses.
It may seem like these old-timers have been there forever. Many are righteous, faithful, humble and have a teachable spirit. But, sad to say, others are contrary and stubborn of heart. Their critical attitude is often as bad or worse than the sins they see and condemn in others. TIME SPENT SITTING IN THE PEWS IS NO PROOF OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY!
Just as there is a danger of people relying on attendance to gain maturity, there is also a danger for new Christians. The new believers have a fervency which may lead them to run ahead of the Holy Spirit in their serving the Lord. FERVENCY IS NO PROOF OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY!
Having a growing personal and spiritual relationship with Christ is essential for our growth. It also prepares us for reaching out to others. In many, if not most cases, people are watching us more than listening to us. They want to see what we believe, more than hear what we believe. If we do not live it, why would they be interested in what we only talk about? We need to remind ourselves that all around us are those who will be eternally lost without salvation which comes by grace through faith. Living our faith is being truly spiritual.
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
(360) 570-0074
P.S. – You can find previous E-Votionals covering a variety of Scriptures and topics to help you in your walk with the Lord at www.Daily-E-Votional.com