FEBRUARY 9 READING…EXODUS 21-22 & 1 PETER 3
Does it matter how we act? Isn’t it enough just to believe right? The Scripture makes it clear in the book of James that our belief system is both meaningless and powerless if our actions do not follow. Biblically it is true that right actions always follow having a right heart. We don’t do things to be acceptable to God…we do right things because we have been accepted by God. When we are in a right relationship with God He calls us to be responsive to His truth and holiness. Through Moses, God gives instruction for right living to His people. Our conduct is determined by God’s immutable Word, and not on how we feel. Our feelings will always lead us away from God. We need an objective source of truth in our lives…that is the Word of God. How we treat one another is also based in God’s Word. We ought not do what we do toward others determined on whether we personally gain an advantage. The Scripture teaches us to esteem others more highly than we do ourselves. A well-ordered society needs laws and required standards for living with other people. Moses gives that to the nation of Israel in order that they would be able to live and function as a nation under God.
In the New Testament book of 1 Peter in chapter three the Apostle instructs the church to live in accordance to the dictates of God’s Word in relationship with one another. He uses the word “submission”, which means to properly relate to one another. Being careful to not place ourselves over others. Peter gives us these instruction in marriage and in relationship to all others that we will encounter as we live life. Peter gives us truth to help us with our conduct when suffering comes…and gives us the ultimate example in the way Jesus dealt with suffering. While it is true we are not Jesus, we do have the Holy Spirit who indwells us, empowering us, to face all things in the power of Christ, and to follow His examples.
Please share your thoughts.
TOMORROW’S READING…EXODUS 23-24 & 1 PETER 4
Comments