Don't Just Live to God... Live for Him!

“There is no more confused message that you and I could give to a lost and dying world than to live in sin and at the same time to tell people about the transforming power of Jesus Christ. There isn't a more confusing thing we can do to our kids and the generation behind us, to this world.

God will not use a compromised life to reach a compromised world. God will use a life that is given over to Him, that is a demonstration of the message that through the power of Jesus Christ and His love He can transform our lives and set us free.”  -Joe Focht

Most of us could probably come up with a long list of things in life that are best sorted out by reasonable compromise. We encounter daily situations at work, school, play, and even home where a problem or concern is rectified by an understanding between those involved.

Pick up a newspaper, read an online newsfeed, or watch a news broadcast on television and you're sure to hear about compromise in government, politics, world crises, and any number of various situations where settlement, concessions, or a pact has been reached. Compromise is a price of living our world.

Be that as it may, when it pertains to whether or not we are being faithful to God, there is no gray area (Joshua 29:15). In 1 Kings, Elijah encountered a situation upon his return to Israel from Phonicia.

The people living under the rule of King Ahab had been functioning under the assumption, with some help from the false prophets of Baal, that they could simultaneously serve both the Lord and Baal (supreme god worshiped in ancient Canaan and Phoenicia).

Of course, Elijah at one point challenges them to either choose to follow the Lord, or follow Baal. But they can't do both (1 Kings 18:21)!  God is the Creator of the universe. Everything belongs to Him and it is his authority alone to determine what's right and wrong for humanity. Who are we to question, or make demands?

The people had obviously compromised their relationship with the Lord, by also worshiping the pagan god Baal. As they say, they wanted to have their cake and eat it too. But when it comes to having a relationship with God, there is no room for compromise. Yes, He is a God of mercy but make no mistake; He is also a jealous and holy God who will not tolerate any competition!

Have you compromised your relationship with God? Are you guilty of following other "idols" such as: materialism, pride, ego, food, alcohol, drugs, mankind, etc., while forsaking God at the same time? It's no secret that many of us struggle with faithfulness in many areas of our lives. If you do, you're in good company.

On the positive side, most of us would like to honor God with greater faithfulness. He has constantly reminded us of His expectation of faithfulness to Him. If I may, I'd like to share some things we can all do to demonstrate our faithfulness God.

For example, we can honor, or glorify God by; loving others, spending time with Him, modeling Jesus in words and actions, sharing what God has done for us with others and, most importantly, reading the Bible.

When it comes to our relationship with the Lord there's no room for simply going through the motions, skimping on our devotion, putting on a good front, or doing just enough to get by. With God it's all or nothing. He won't stand for compromise, nor any challengers. Don't just live to God, live for Him!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:31; Deuteronomy 6:5; Numbers 30:2; Colossians 3:17; Romans 12:1  

Prayer: Dear Lord, grant me the courage to serve You in all ways. You are my true and only God, and I will faithfully follow You wherever You lead me. Amen

God bless you!

Kylee