Dec 9 – The Fruit of Repentance
You know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus…
God defends the causes of the poor, gives deliverance to the children of the needy, and crushes the oppressor. Pretty lofty goals in my opinion, but what about us?
This passage confirms that God is deeply concerned with our daily walk, with how we live the Christian Life. Our lives are to be lived in such a way as to gain the respect of outsiders in this cold and dark world.
We are exhorted to shun sexual immorality and to behave honorably in that area. We are tasked with leading a quiet life, to mind our own business, and to work with our hands so as not to be dependent on others.
It is indeed a lofty goal for us as well to shun sexual sin in a world that promotes it as an entitlement. In addition, keeping our own concerns quiet while loving and encouraging others just does not feel natural to us. Yet, we are called to do these things on a daily basis because God cares for us that deeply.
No part of this self-control and our loving actions toward others gains us our redemption! That price was already paid! This is a sincere response to the gift that we have already received. And no, it is not fun and goes against what our culture would tell us. Yet, it is the way God chose for his children. This is how we get ready for the appearance of Christ!
Heavenly Father. Your goals are lofty for the world and for us. We could not do these things that are asked of us if it were not for the power of your Holy Spirit working in us. Give us both the tools and the desire to do this holy work!. Amen.
Gary Baughman