HOW SHOULD WE EVALUATE OUR LIFESTYLE?

LIFESTYLE.

HOW SHOULD WE EVALUATE OUR LIFESTYLE?

BIBLE READING: Exodus 23:20-33.

KEY BIBLE VERSE: Do not worship the gods of these other nations or serve them in any way, and never follow their evil example. Instead, you must utterly conquer them and break down their shameful idols. (Exodus 23:24)

OUR LIFESTYLE SHOULD REFLECT WHAT WE BELIEVE.

If you're in the furnace, it's easy to catch fire. God warned the Israelites about their neighbors whose beliefs and actions could turn them away from him. We also live with neighbors whose values may be completely different from ours. We are called to maintain a lifestyle that shows our faith. This can be a struggle, especially if our Christian lifestyle differs from the norm. Our life should show that we put obeying God before doing what is praised and accepted by society.

God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted, too. (Matthew 5:11-12)

OUR LIFESTYLE SHOULD BE A REFLECTION OF GOD'S KINGDOM.

With Jesus' recent announcement that the kingdom was near (4:17), people were naturally asking, "How do I qualify to be in God's kingdom?" Jesus said that God's kingdom is organized differently from worldly kingdoms. In the kingdom of heaven, wealth and power and authority are unimportant. Kingdom people seek different blessings and benefits, and they have different attitudes. Their entire lifestyle ought to be different. Are your attitudes a carbon copy of the world's selfishness, pride, and lust for power, or do they reflect the humility and self-sacrifice of Jesus, your King?

Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. (1 Corinthians 9:24-25)

OUR LIFESTYLE SHOULD BE DISCIPLINED.

Winning a race requires purpose and discipline. Paul uses this illustration to explain that the Christian life takes hard work, self-denial, and grueling preparation. As Christians, we are running toward our heavenly reward. The essential disciplines of prayer, Bible study, and worship equip us to run with vigor and stamina. Don't merely observe from the grandstand; don't just turn out to jog a couple of laps each morning. Train diligently-your spiritual progress depends upon it.

Work hard so God can approve you. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)

OUR LIFESTYLE SHOULD BE CONSISTENT WITH GOD'S WORD.

Because God will examine what kind of workers we have been for him, we should build our life on his Word and build his Word into our life-it alone tells us how to live for him and serve him. Believers who ignore the Bible will certainly be ashamed at the judgment. Consistent and diligent study of God's Word is vital; otherwise we will be lulled into neglecting God and our true purpose for living.