Sometimes we get confused as to what we should or should not be doing! I have on my wall, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no-self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!"
For so long I was stuck on that last sentence, "Stay away from people like that!" Then confusion sets in, are we not to try to win every soul to Christ!?! Are we to only speak the Good News to certain people?
That statement of "Stay away" was not meant as banishment! It is meant as, do not live your life alongside of them! When they speak slander, untruths, hate and lies, do not join them! When they go to the bar, and get drunk, do not join them! When they spread hate, you spread love!
Then I started wondering, are those people stuck that way? Was that truly their destiny? Surely God had a better purpose for their lives! Maybe you are someone that is struggling in these areas?! Are you hoping for more? Something different?
Titus 3:3-7 says, "Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil, and envy, and we hated each other. 4. But- When God our Savior revealed His kindness and love, 5. He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Saviour. 7. Because of His grace He made us right in His sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life."
Glory to God! Very few people live their entire lives for God! Most of us have a past- that is not worthy of God! Most of us, at one time were one of those people that Timothy was warned to stay away from! But God sent His Son!
If there is redemption and freedom and Salvation for us!!! Then there is most definitely redemption and freedom and Salvation for all those people around us that we have had to separate our "lives" from. Separate your hobbies and your outings- but do not separate your love for them! Keep telling them about the Mighty God you serve! Keep planting those seeds in their lives!
Titus 2:11-15 says, "For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12. And we are instructed to turn form godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13. While we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14. He gave His life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us His very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds. 15. You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary. So don't let anyone disregard what you say."
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