“Whether we live or die, it must be for the Lord.” (Romans 14:8a CEV)
The title, in light of our opening verse, reveals the wrong attitude when we consider we are earthen tabernacles, created to serve a Sovereign God; created to live for the Lord. The rules in the house in which we live and the “house” in which my soul abides belong to God. Henceforth, I can’t apply the same philosophy I have in hanging wall décor when it comes to Christian living! What philosophy am I talking about? Let me expound on it, explain it with a real example.
If you were to come in my house and start taking down many of the pictures and various wall hangings, you would discover a variety of holes that were made when some other piece once occupied that same space. You would probably notice quite quickly how I have covered up holes more than once by the number of punctures in the wall that are discovered behind the picture. You might even, in some cases, but not all, be able to draw some concentric circles using some type of advanced NCIS crime scene investigation technique to detect my crime called “cover-up,” I guess I really need to learn how to take advantage of the newest wall hanging techniques where covering up nail holes will be unnecessary. I need to change my attitude and drop my thinking and behaving based on the viewpoint, “This is my house!”
Covering up flaws and holes in our Christian witness is another area where all believers need to do the same. We need to abandon the “This is my house” philosophy and remember we belong to God. We need to apply the instructions found in our Standard Operation Procedures. Yes, I am talking about the Bible. Forget the cover up and fix the flaw, smooth the rough places, fill the holes, and let the Lord guide you to a remake. You will look so much better! Even if you think you are looking good already, let me say it again. You will look so much better! Smile! Surely you got more than a thought! Be blessed!
“…you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (I Peter 2:5 ESV)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King