Show Me How To Live!

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's. 1Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV)

Have you ever decided to sell something, only to regret it after it is gone?  I am sure you have - I think we all have at some point.  Sometimes we get rid of old things because they have served their purpose and we are replacing them with something better.  Still, there can be this place in your heart for the old, and memories attached to it.  

Well, if we're talking about our old first car, or our favorite shirt, then we shouldn't sweat it, and we shouldn't be pushed into getting rid of the old.  But if we are talking about an old sinful lifestyle or way of looking at things, this is a whole different subject, and one we should be mindful of.  

I think all too often, we can look back on our old lifestyle and the things we did, and we can find ourselves having fond memories of sinful actions and behaviors.  And even though we don't do those things anymore, we can reflect upon them and talk about them in such a way as to lead those listening to believe we miss them.  Or it can simply be the expression on our face as we recount the various actions we participated in - sort of like Lot's wife when she looked back at Sodom (See Gen. 19:17, 26). 

Q:    Why does this happen?

A:    Because the enemy has seduced us into thinking these things were fun, or pleasing to our flesh, and we still live in this fallen flesh.   

Q:    How can we avoid making the same mistake as Lot's wife - looking back with fondness at things hated by God?

A:    By not allowing our minds to look back at our past sinful experiences or to think and meditate upon them.   And by fixing our eyes upon the Word of God and looking forward to a new way of living - a way pleasing to God. 

This is exactly what the Psalmist had in mind when he wrote;
 
Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your paths. Psalms 25:4 (NKJV)

As believers, God has given us a new way to live - one leading to righteousness.  His Word is full of wisdom and guidance to show us the proper way to handle life's challenges and the enemy's temptations.  We just need to be faithful to take the time to open our Bibles daily, and to read them prayerfully.  

 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.Titus 2:11-14 (NKJV)

Jesus is coming back soon.  I don't know the day or hour, but I can see the signs - signs given within His word.  We are to be looking up, and eagerly expecting His return, and we are to be living in such a way as to bring glory and honor to our Lord and Savior's name.  

Hey Christian, I want to encourage you today to pray to God, "Lord, You gave me a life - now show me how to live."  

STUDY QUESTION: According to Titus 2:11-14, how are we to live?

PERSONAL INVENTORY: Are you willing to ask just as the Psalmist asked of God,"Show me Your ways, O LORD; Teach me Your path."

APPLICATION: Ask God to show you His ways, and to teach you His paths.  You will be blessed immediately.