Everyone, save yourselves!

“Be conscientious about how you live and what you teach. Persevere in this, because by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.” 1 Timothy 4:16

Greek NT

Watch Your Actions

In the Western world, it’s usually every man (or woman) for him/herself. We are an individual based society. There are both positives and negatives to this but I’m going to stay neutral. Therefore, as individuals, we must be wary of what we are doing, because I can guarantee people are watching you. Non-Christians can’t wait to point out a Christian’s faults and errors. You have to watch everything you say and do. Your actions and words directly affect your character and how people perceive you. If your actions don’t match your words, then your words—which contain much power—can lead someone away from God and that will be on you.

Authentic Living

On top of that, we are living in the postmodern world. Which is a reaction against the modern world and all its absolutes. In this world we live in, people (especially the younger generation) demand to see consistency in Christians. Not just consistency, but also authenticity. Don’t try to act like you have it all together at church and live like the rest of the world during the week. It is this hypocritical way of living that destroyed the belief in the absolute truth of the Bible. Live every single day and hour for God and don’t cover up your failures, let God do that.

Have you heard the saying, “Once saved, always saved?” Well, not to bash on anyone’s beliefs, but it’s hard to reconcile this text with that belief. If you read the rest of this passage you will see Paul urging Timothy to live a better life. Not to let go of the gospel; setting an example with how he lives his life and teaches the Word of God. By living this type of life, Timothy was essentially guaranteeing his own salvation and those who followed what he taught. In other words, if he didn’t live this way, he would be lost like Hymenaeus and Alexander (1 Tim 1:20).

Calling All Christians

The point of being a Christian is not just prayer, or Bible reading, or going to church once or even twice a week. The whole point of being a Christian is living out your daily life (everything you do), to the best of your ability, in the will of God. Showing love and compassion for others even when you are late for work, hungry, or tired. Admitting when you are wrong. Having respect for your elders and those younger than you. Reading the Word of God to others and practicing what you preach. This call is not just for pastors or ministers. This call is to every living, breathing Christian on this Earth. This call to live an authentic, God centered life is for you!

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C.R.E.A.M.

A very popular song in the 90’s, C.R.E.A.M. by Wu Tang Clan, sums up many songs from that time and today: Cash Rules Everything Around Me. Not just cash though, money, power and respect. Those are the keys to live, or so it is told. In fact, if you look at the top 10 songs on Billboard’s top 100, they are all about one thing: The Self. Looking out for #1 is the highest priority. Whether it’s our own pleasure, security, clothing, entertainment, or power. Western society says we have to take care of ourselves first or we will fall behind.

On the other hand, Jesus calls us to be meek. He is not telling us to be weak or let people run over us. This is not what the original Greek word meant. It means to lay aside your own strength and your own power and submit to God. The ancient Greeks used the word to describe a tamed horse. Horses are very powerful animals but they allow their masters to control them. Jesus is our master. He is asking us to let Him take control.

The problem we have is we don’t want to give up control. We don’t want to submit to God even though we call ourselves Christians. Jesus said the meek will be blessed, or happy, and will inherit the earth (Matt. 5:5) They will inherit the earth because they submitted to God and are living for Him. On the other hand, near the end of Jesus’ sermon on the mount, He said this to those who professed to follow God: “I never knew you. Go away from me, you lawbreakers!” (Matt. 7:23). Jesus didn’t know them because they were not meek. They did not submit to God’s will. They wanted to do what they wanted to do.

The choice is ours. Who are we going to submit to? Will you submit to Jesus? Or, will you submit to no one? As for me, Christ Rules Everything Around Me!