THE APPEARANCE OF A CHRISTIAN
MAIN TEXT: 1 THESSALONIANS 5:22
Abstain from every appearance of evil. (KJV)
MATTHEW 5:14
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. (KJV)
Who is a Christian? A Christian is that person that is Christ like. He/she is like Christ in the inside appearance, whereby his/her thoughts, words and deeds give the picture of Christ and not necessarily the physical resemblance. The nature of God in us make up our inside appearance which should influence our outward appearance.
A part of the Lord’s Prayer is “lead us not into temptation”. Remember, God looks at the heart which is the inward appearance (the real man) while men look at the outward appearance which is the character of a man. As a Christian, your character or life style should not discourage unbelievers or weak Christians from coming to Christ rather it should encourage them because you are the light of the world (Matt. 5:14) and the mirror with which the unbelievers see God. Therefore, you must as a Christian flee from every appearance of evil.
You can not be a Christian carrying the biggest bible and quoting every verse of it, covering yourself from head to toes, attending every Church activity in time, belonging to every group in the Church yet you quarrel and fight at the least provocation, record wrongs and never let go of them, full of pride, stealing at all levels including with pen, lying with ease, involved in all kinds of cultic practices, cheating everyone you have dealings with. You cannot be a Christian and wear things that reveal or expose sensitive parts of your body or wear things you are not supposed to wear.
LET YOUR SPIRITMAN AND YOUR BEHAVIOUR SHOW CHRIST
Prayer point: Oh God, deliver me from doing anything that will lead others astray and help me to be a true light with which others will see you in Jesus name.
BY BISHOP NGOZI DURUEKE (HE REIGNS CHAPEL INTERNATIONAL) To send your testimony, write us: mylivingwaterdevotional@gmail.com.