Guided thoughts no. 25, conclusion

We said yesterday that we didn't want to be Christians who exemplified the phrase, "all flash and no substance." We want to have testimonies for God, not be looked at as hypocrites -- people who affirm their belief, but then their lives don't show it!

Kind of like the old commercial....we don't want to be the fluffy bun. We want to be the beef! The real thing!

So, how can we show the world we are real?
First, folks should be able to see in us that our hearts have changed:

I will give them singleness of heart and action, so that they will always fear me and that all will then go well for them and for their children after them. (Jeremiah 32:39)

I seek you with all my heart;    do not let me stray from your commands.  I have hidden your word in my heart    that I might not sin against you.  Praise be to you, Lord; (Psalm 119:10-12a) 

True believers have true hearts that love God, that consider Him the treasure of this life and the next! We will keep His commandments not because we want to ease our consciences, but because we want to serve and know Him, and bring glory to the name of Jesus.

Next, as true believers, we will abandon all hope of righteousness in ourselves. Our hearts are broken as we consider our sin and our holy God. And then our hearts rejoice as we accept Christ's sacrifice and resurrection for those sins.

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:9-13)

With promises like these, how can we help but be inspired to be genuine! With happy hearts, we will reach out to others, to tell them the good news!

Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” (John 4:39)

Sharing Him with others is a vital part of our Christian life. Our testimony might not always be accepted, but with the Holy Spirit's help, we can receive power to live a victorious life: we can be consistent, be a good listener, and avoid arrogance or "preachiness." We can pray each day for people that He lays on our heart, and always ask Him for wisdom.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. (James 1:5)

If we can follow these guidelines, with the help of His Spirit, then we'll not be "all flash and no substance." We'll be the real thing!!