Today I am encouraged even more to live a life that is pleasing to God. I have been reflecting on this scripture. "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us," Hebrews 12:1 Which to me means that we have to be careful not to put God to an open shame. As a christian I can't walk around selfishly only thinking about me, myself and I and not caring about what the world thinks. As a christian I have learned that the world is watching me but most importantly God is watching me!! So I have an obligation not only to live for God but for those who are watching me. The bible says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16. Your light may be the only light a person sees and causes them to follow Christ. What kind of light are you shining?? Does your light encourage others to Christ?? Or does your light turn others from Christ?? I have also learned that I have to be careful as a christian of the company I keep, the places I go, etc. It all adds up. If you surround yourself with negative people or people who are of bad influence that are not for living a life committed to Christ, theres a great chance of some of the energy rubbing off on you!! Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful." Psalms 1:1. I also have to be careful of the places I go. If I decide to go to parties/clubs because I am made up of flesh i'll probably give in to some stuff that I normally wouldn't do because of the atmosphere. Also ever heard of the saying "at the wrong place at the wrong time?" I'd hate to be caught in the line of fire on the dancing floor getting down when I knew in my heart that I should have been at bible study that night!! Although the pleasures of the world may seem so enticing I have to remember that God must get the glory out of everything I do. And sometimes that means real hard sacrifice. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." James 1:12. Sometimes sacrifices hurt and their hard, but the reward is great!! My goal everyday is to grow stronger in Christ. I want people to see God in me. And at the end of my race I want to hear well done my good and faithful servant. Choose to do good!! Don't fight against good, fight against evil!! Your are strong and you can do it!!
