If we want to be prepared to face our increasingly hostile, anti-Christian culture, we need to quit focusing on ourselves.
Sadly, some of the most popular Christian books, sermons, and Bible studies do just that.
I recently heard a teaching that claimed God loves everything about us so we shouldn't let anything or anyone make us feel bad about ourselves.
Not true. God doesn't love anything sinful, and if we think everything about us is godly, we need a reality check.
God's love purifies us as we “put off” our old sinful nature and conform ourselves to God's purposes and principles (Ephesians 4:22-24).
Teachings that downplay sin are influenced by culture. They encourage us to sit in an easy chair staring at ourselves in a mirror while spiritual battles rage around us.
We must reject these teachings and prepare to fight the good fight, holding onto our faith and a good conscience (1 Timothy 1:18-19).
That means speaking up about sins that damage people's souls and dealing deliberately with our personal sins. Just as we prepare ourselves to be physically fit, we must prepare ourselves to be spiritually fit.
“Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Timothy 6:11-12).
I encourage you to read the one-minute devotion 5 Ways to Stop Consorting with the Enemy.
Bible Love Notes
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