What is Seen

What is Seen 

by David Brenneman 

‭‭"But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.  But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?" James 2:18-20.

‭‭"A good man will obtain favor from the Lord, But He will condemn a man who devises evil." Proverbs12:2.

‬ ‭"However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die.” ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭12:14

"But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one." ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2:14‭-‬15‬ ‭

Do you consider it well that image that is produced by the presence of your life in this world?  

In James, we read about the importance of the truth that faith must be exercised.  There must be works that accompany faith.  We see in Proverbs 12:2 of how a person's life is ever before the Lord Jesus. 

In 2 Samuel...there are possible consequences when we are intentionally pursuing that which God's Word says we should not.  

When we consider the portion in to the church in Corinthians...we are to appraise life as one who is indeed saved and interested in the things of God that make for growing in Christ.  Casting aside things that tear people down.  There's no situation, no "humor", that's acceptable in regards to the treatment of other people that tears down someone.  I really really am indignant about hating a group of people based on entertainment or sports. 

A chief reason being that we're teaching the unbelieving that is acceptable in the Lord.

Paul's writing concerning causing another to stumble is applicable to this train of thought.   He was ever mindful of how others would take his thoughts and actions.  He said that of any such action on his part caused another to stumble, that is to hinder or stop the work of God in someone else's life, he would never do it again.  

Now I get it, I understand it, concerning the off-handed words tossed around.  I used to participate myself...until I was convinced by the Spirit that I wasn't helping Him in doing so.  That Believer's are ever under the microscope of the unbelieving.  That's what happens when light is applied to a scene or situation.  

"So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things.

See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell." James 3:5-6.  

What are you showing the world around you?  It doesn't end at words, our deeds, are also subject to examination.  How are you dressed?  Do you present Christ to the world or something else?

When you interact with the world...your words and actions...do they depict a life in Christ or that of someone trying to fit into the world?  

The Bible rightfully calls all Believers as aliens and visitors to this world.  When you visit another country, and people there will figure out what country you hail from, they will judge your country or your part of your country based on your words and actions.

What is seen by the world when the world looks at you?  Do they see the hands and feet of Jesus?  Do they see someone who walks their talk?  Do they see someone who's separated from the world yet in the world?  We're to be holy as He is holy.  Holy is to be set apart.  Different on purpose. 

How are you really seen by those around you?  As one walking with Jesus or one who only talks a good talk but isn't?

A life in Christ isn't a name badge to wear to get you club benefits all the while you continue to be as you once were.  

A life in Christ is to be a transformed life. A light in the world that's a reflection of a true relationship with Jesus.  Unmarred by the world's priorities.  

Putting off the old self and it's practices and putting on Christ.  

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭12:11‬ ‭"He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, But he who pursues worthless things lacks sense."

Are you pursuing what's of worth to God?

Are you seen as one who has been with Jesus?

The arbitrary use of the words we use like "hate", must be really considered before being uttered.  Same goes for what we say about "love".  

Someone might be ready to come to Christ for salvation and our potential carelessness might cause that to be delayed or harmed.  

Satan's aim is the prevention of people coming to Christ for salvation.  He knows full well of the prophecies of the Bible. He knows full well that there's a "last" person who will come to Christ for salvation before the events of the book of Revelation. 

How we are seen in the life we've been given is very important to be considering. 

No job is worth more than a soul saved.

No opportunity is worth more either. 

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.