Encountering an extraordinary God in ordinary life
Issue # 264 September 18, 2001
The Right Way

I became a Christian in late 1992 or early 1993. I don’t know the exact moment when I realized the truth. Even afterwards it took a long time for it to really begin to change me.

My heart had been hard for a long time and I had a lifetime of ungodly attitudes and behaviors to change.

Some people discover the truth of Jesus and are instantly transformed. Others of us are slower to learn and it takes time, even years for us to go from ungodly to living a life that is pleasing to God.

I think for me, part of the problem was that even though I had come to realize I was a sinner and needed Jesus, I still thought of myself as a decent sort of guy. Sure I had done lots of things in my life that I was ashamed of, but all in all I thought I was okay.

In this time of great world tension, we’re suffering from the same deceived attitude. We think we’re decent sorts and we’re okay.

Our world has slid downwards to the point where virtually any decadence is considered acceptable. A world where almost anything is okay if it enhances our lifestyle. A world where millions of unborn children are aborted for the sake of convenience. A world where we are so self absorbed that it crumbles around us and we’re too blind to see.

The problem is that while our standards have dropped, God’s have not. He’s calling us to come back and get right with Him.

We need to recognize that all is not well in our nations and our lives. We’re sick, and crumbling and we’re deceived into believing we’re okay.

The world faces a crisis and stands on the brink of war. How will we handle it? What will we do?

The Bible is clear on what we must do.

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved--and that by God. Philippians 1:27-28 NIV

Will our response to the present world situation show a trust in God and a lack of fear, or will we try to do it ourselves? I don’t know.

Until next time, whatever events and crisis you face in your life, may you approach it in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Jesus.

God bless.

Kevin