“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom,” James 3:13 ESV. As Christians we expect unbelievers to admire us for our fine character, our family values or our somewhat lower number of vices. Instead, they immediately see beyond our words to our personal failings in friendships, at work, in the neighborhood or wherever else we are and consider our proclamation of faith as hypocrisy. So, what is the solution? Living out our faith in humble authenticity. Faith in Christ must be genuine, unwavering and most importantly, presented in contrite transparency. Our oversimplified presentation as “Jesus is LORD” or “All you need is Jesus” fails to address our own struggle to trust everything to Him, to love unconditionally or to forgive those who cause us harm. Lord, grant me grace for walking humbly before You and others.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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