Tag Archives: accountability

October 1
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“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”  (Philippians 1:27, NIV)

Paul was in prison when he wrote these words to the Christians in Philippi (modern-day Greece), so he knew a thing or two about the challenges of living-up to standards when times are tough.

His message to the Philippians was simple: Live up to God’s holy standard without regard to circumstances.

Is our discipleship conditional?  Will we be obedient to the will of God in times when it is inconvenient to do so?  Will our love for others sour when we’re not treated in kind?

When external circumstances have little or no bearing on our resolve to conduct ourselves “in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ,” we will experience — as Paul experienced — the joy of seeing God make possible the impossible.  – Luther

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September 23
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“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)

You’ve heard the expression: “Your work is cut-out for you.”

It is a good thing to have one’s work clearly defined and waiting to be accomplished.  As disciples of Jesus — “God’s handiwork” — our work is cut-out, and waiting, for us from all of the other missions and tasks in the world that wait to be taken-up.

When we were made new in Christ we became an instrument for good works.  Don’t allow yourself to become a tool for anything less.

How do we know whether the task before us is of God?  Make it your ambition to walk with God in, and through, every circumstance.  “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”  (Proverbs 3:6)  – Luther

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September 18
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“Honor God with everything you own; give him the first and the best. Your barns will burst, your wine vats will brim over.” (Proverbs 3: 9-10, The Message)

Do we honor God with everything we own: Our time, our talents, our treasure; the power at our disposal by virtue of our position in life and its prerogatives?

If not, we are operating at a level far below both our potential for blessing the lives of others; and we have restricted the “return” from God to our own lives.

You are what your are; and you have what you have.  Begin to give God the first fresh hour of your day, rather than the left-over minutes at its end.  Give God a tithe of thanksgiving from the dollars at the beginning, rather than the pennies that remain after everyone else has taken their due.

These small, but significant, steps lead to a life of usefulness, abundance, and joyful surprise.  – Luther

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