Character Rebirth

Read:

Philippians 2:5

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus
Also:
Philippians 2:15

so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,

We are living in a time of a crooked and corrupt generation. We are living in a time where we need to show forth character and be a light to the world like never before. All the world can see is a plastic type Christianity with no fruit. You see the hype-prosperity message, strange prophecies, and other things that have been going on in the church and this would have shocked great protestant ministers during the great reformation. Martin Luther in the 1500’s would have fallen over in disbelief at how corrupt the protestant movement has gotten off to. He would have placed ninety-five more thesis at the foot of the church. We have tv evangelist’s begging for seeds, asking for mortgage payments so that God will pay off there mortgage payment, and every other ridiculous move that has embarrassed the protestant church. This is not the most popular devotional but it is needed. I’d probably get hung in some churches if I taught this message. But friend, we need a character rebirth like never before. The greek word for attitude in Philippians 2:5 is phroneo, and it means to be like-minded with the same views. Could you imagine Jesus teaching on the sermon of the mount and saying, “For ten dollars I’ll give you my teaching of the sermon on the mount.” Could you imagine Jesus saying, “I’ll pray for you for a whole year with a little love offering of one thousand dollars, and two years for two thousand dollars." This sounds unbelievable, but just go online or watch some of the tv channels and you’ll see this nonsense. I've seen it first hand, and I about fell over when I saw this mess, being so so grieved in my spirit. I know that I’m being a little sarcastic about what would Jesus do, but we need to be lights in the world. How do we get a good attitude and walk in the spirit? By our devotion, prayer, and our faithfulness. You see, the secret to a successful life as a Christian is the success of their secret life in their prayer closet, with such a conviction and inward pure character in their personal life as well. It goes hand in hand with our commitment to the body of Christ and faithfulness in our home church. Character is determined by the inner-life of a person. It reflects either the sinful nature being influenced by the world, or the devine nature influenced by the Holy Spirit. Our character will affect our attitude, our attitude will affect our calling, and our calling will ultimately affect our destiny here on earth. God’s got a destiny and place here on this earth for us, and our character is the foundation for unleashing God’s will in our life. Some of us need a new birth, but many of us need a character rebirth. Let’s be like Jesus and show something to this generation.
By Keith Edwards

Prayer:
Lord, we come to you in your precious name and ask that you search our hearts. Show us if there is anything that is not right, and help us to shine our light to this fallen world. We sit at your feet Jesus in prayer and we ask that we would have the same mind and attitude that you have Lord. Help us Lord to hear your heartbeat as your church and body. We ask this all in your name. Amen.
Posted by Keith at 12:00 AM
1 comments:

Sandy Groom MSW said...
Thank you Keith for your blog.
Our most powerful work begins in our prayer closet -- that quiet place where we spend alone with our mighty God.

It is easy to turn our eyes on those who make a mockery of walking with Jesus; who choose hype over committed faith. In fact, it's easy to become distracted by many things. Yet so important to draw close to the Lord and spend time with him, looking at him and who he is, praising him, crying out to him, loving him, and his Word - the Bible.
He is the one who gives us a character re-birth; he will make us and mold us each day, if we allow him to work in us and through us.
He loves us that much.
Thanks
Sandy Groom at hopeforhurtinghearts.blogspot.com