by David Brenneman
It's a harsh reality to really dig into the notion that you're going to have to make unpopular decisions in the face of a sin cursed fallen world.
We weren't promised all sunshine and rainbows when we came to Christ Jesus for salvation. Quite the opposite...we were told up front that the world isn't going to understand. That we are going to face people who are going to hate us for deciding to follow Jesus.
Some, claiming to be Christians, don't even realize they are on the world's bandwagon in their business decisions.
The Scriptures say to stand firm in the Lord Jesus Christ...with no exceptions. Not because the world supposedly is changing. Not because of how it might impact future business that we ought to avoid certain people. Not because of political parties, political views, corporate policies, laws, etc. are we to compromise living life in Christ Jesus.
Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Period. He's not willing that any should perish but that all would come to Him for salvation. Period.
He cared not what the business world thought on how it might impact them.
He cared not what the religious people thought on how it might impact them.
Jesus isn't going to come into your life for to save you then leave you to fend for yourself. He's here in us that are saved to make us more like Himself...an that won't be complete until we are with Jesus in Heaven.
When we're told to put the good of anything worldly ahead of the Word of God or ahead of our relationship with Jesus Christ...then lines have been crossed.
Doing whatever is right in God's eyes will never be thought of by Jesus as our having done the wrong thing.
What we do, when we are following the prompting of the Holy Spirit, we are to just do. Leaving the consequences to Him. Don't expect the world to understand nor expect those weak in the faith to get it.
There's been many times when I have followed the prompting of the Spirit of God and those close to me never understood why.
There's no on-off switch to obedience to God's Word.
Just because of policies or political issues...or the changing winds of the morals of the world...we are to hold fast to the Rock who is Christ Jesus.
I have struggled for several days because of a choice I made to contact some guys that I now consider new friends...who work for a customer of my employer. It didn't go over so well with my employer that I met with them on my own time on non-work related things. Sure I got a nickel tour of their facility but that was the extent of it. But we didn't talk about work.
The irony is the culture where I work has built into it building trust through relationships. So to say the least I was taken aback by their concerns...and I will leave that at that. I know that I did nothing wrong and God knows that I did nothing wrong. My hope is new friends with whom I can share Christ with. I don't care about impacts to anything else. I will only be giving an account of my life before Jesus with regards to what I did for Him.
Doing the right thing isn't going to be popular...but it's still for us to do.
My life is hidden with Christ in God.
No one can touch me without going through Jesus Christ.
Jesus said that Heaven and Earth would pass away but His words never would.
Jesus said that He is the same, yesterday, today and forever.
Jesus said to Peter "What is that to you? You follow Me!".
Jesus said He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Jesus said blessed are you when people persecute you, say evil things of you, on account of Me.
Building trust requires risk.
Building trust requires faith.
Building trust requires listening to Jesus rather than the world.
Building trust requires our obedience to God's Word...if it's to be done right.
Building trust often means stepping out where others cannot go because it's not for them to do...it's for you to do.
Paul admonishes us to press on to the upward call in Christ Jesus.
Putting on the full armor of God.
In Hebrews we have the faith chapter.
In our lives, we can look back on the work of the Spirit of God in us.
Obedience to God's Word should always be paramount in our priorities. Sure it may cost you people, places or things. But the promise of God is that He causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Our purpose is building trust through relationships to lead people to Jesus Christ for salvation that they need...so that He can save them too.
Trust God and Obey God...leave the consequences to Him.
All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. (C) Lockman Foundation.
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