Thursday, April 4, 2013 -- Following The Signal (1)
Thursday April 4, 2013
Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths ... Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. (Psalm 119: 1-3, 35 NLT).
A driver who ignores traffic signals is “an accident looking for a place to happen.” Anyone cheating on red or barreling through the orange is a danger to himself and others. One of the hardest times to practice patience is at a long red light on a quiet street when no traffic is in sight. Although a series of red lights can be annoying when we’re eager to get to our destination, an accident can bring even more delay and greater pain.
The Scriptures too have some “red lights” that should make us stop and consider our lives as Christians. They are the prohibitions against behaviours that are detrimental to our walk with the Lord and our growth as Christians. Some “red lights” include thoughts such as envy, pride, hatred, lust, irreverence, and selfishness while others have to do with outward behaviours such as sexual immorality, abuse and addictions.
The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires. (Romans 13:12-14 NLT).
When the Holy Spirit alerts us to the presence of “red light” thoughts and behaviours in our lives, we should immediately hit the brakes. We don't always see the surrounding circumstances that require the red light in order for everyone to be safe, including ourselves. God knows. God cares and God prescribes boundaries and safety lights for the best of reasons. We would do well to pay attention and follow the signal.
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Audio for Thursday, April 4, 2013 -- Following The Signal (1)
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