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Episode #40 "I See You"
Transcript
You are being watched. As people watch how you react and respond to whatever life throws at you, what are they seeing? What kind of “god” are you portraying to them? Whom are you worshiping? King Me? Or the King of Kings and Lord of Lord’s?
It’s only when you daily choose to surrender yourself completely to the One and only Almighty, God that people will see His godliness being lived out in everything you say and do.
Welcome to today’s episode of the Point of Purity Podcast. A weekly study filled to the brim with the all the tools from Scripture you will ever need to build a lasting life of Biblical purity. I’m your host, Steve Etner, Author, National Speaker, and Purity Coach for The Pure Man Ministry. Grab your Bible and come on in as we dive into Part 3 of our mini-series on How to Live for Christ.
(01:00) Someone’s Watching
Have you ever had that eerie feeling that someone’s watching you? You whip your head around to see who it is, only to discover that there isn’t anyone there, or that the people around you aren’t even looking your way. Creepy. Right?
The fact is people are watching and observing your life every day. In my younger years, I did a fair amount of stage acting. One thing our director drilled into our minds was the fact that at all times on that stage—whether you have a speaking line or not—someone is watching you.
This is a great lesson for life as well. No matter what you may (or may not) be doing, people are watching you.
- Titus 2:7-8 instructs us to “show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and … show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned.” Why? Because people are watching you.
- Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16 that “you are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” People are watching you.
- Peter challenges us to “keep your conduct … honorable, so that … (others) may see your good deeds and glorify God” (1 Peter 2:12). Yes, people are watching you.
- And in 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul said we are to “set an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Hopefully by now you understand that people are watching you.
To help drive this point home even further, I want you listen closely as I quote to you 1 Peter 3:15. “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. Do this with gentleness and respect.”
Too often, as Christians, we focus all our attention on the last part of that verse. We put the emphasis on being prepared to share the Gospel, being ready to speak out for our faith ... which is good, it’s very good, but it’s not the emphasis Peter is pressing upon us in this text. Don’t mis-understand— yes, we must be able to stand up for what we believe. However, if I am not living out what I believe, how will anyone ever know to ask me to share what I believe and why I believe it?
I submit, this is why Peter first says, “in your heart set apart Christ as Lord!” You see my friend, if Jesus is not Lord of your heart, how can He be Lord of your life? If Christ is not Lord of your life, then the people around you won’t see Christ demonstrated through your words, attitude, and behavior. They won’t understand that you are different, that you respond to life’s challenges and trials with a powerful faith – they won’t have a clue that you’re a Christian. It’s only when you daily choose to surrender your heart, your mind, your will ... yourself completely to God that everything you say and do will be a reflection of the God you serve.
So, think carefully about what God is telling us here. People are watching you. People are observing your life. As they look at how you live, how you react and respond to life, what are they seeing? What kind of God are you portraying to them?
OK, now here are two very potent questions I want you to give serious consideration to: 1st - As people watch me every day, are they getting a right view of God? 2nd – As they watch and listen to me, am I making a lasting impression upon them for the Kingdom of Heaven?
Do you realize, do you understand the fact that your concept of God has a direct impact upon your relationship with your spouse (or your choice of one, if you’re single)? Your concept of God impacts your relationship with your children (or your nephews and nieces, etc.)! Your concept of God impacts your family and friends, your co-workers, even your church family!
As people watch your life, they are seeing how you view God. How you relate to and interact with God on a daily basis will be reflected in every word you speak and everything you do.
- What are your family and friends, your co-workers and neighbors, even your friends at church understanding about God as they listen to your words and observe your actions?
- Are you a mirror reflecting Him, or a wall hiding Him?
- Do you let your light shine for all to see, or are you hiding it somewhere deep within?
- Do people see the image of King Me that you have worked so hard to refine and polish, or do they see the image of Christ being lived out?
- Do you stand up for Him, even when you may stand alone?
Here is a key thought for you: Only when we set apart Christ as Lord in our hearts will He show up as Lord in our lives.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 says, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
God, and God alone, is worthy “to receive glory and honor and power.” (Revelation 4:11; 5:12) “Everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory.” (Romans 11:36) “All glory (belongs) to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, forever.” (Romans 16:27) “All honor and glory (goes) to God forever and ever! HE is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God.” (1 Timothy 1:17). “All glory, majesty, power, and authority are His before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time!” (Jude 25)
Do you truly believe those verses? Do you genuinely believe that truth?
Does your attitude and daily behavior support your answer?
If you openly believe that only God is worthy to receive your glory, honor, and praise, then your life will be a daily reflection of that. Let me ask you this: Why is God alone worthy of all glory and honor?
Now, I have an important question for you. Do you want to live a life that draws people to God? I’m not asking if you think it’s a good idea. I’m not inquiring into your personal opinion on the matter. I’m asking flat out: Do you want to glorify God in your life?
I want you to take a moment and meditate on the words of 1 Corinthians 10:31. “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” No matter what you do, when you do it, or where it’s being done, always do it for God’s glory. Just think about that. God is not expecting us to live a life that occasionally, or even mostly, glorifies Him. Every aspect of your life, every moment of every day, is to be lived in a way that He (and He alone) receives recognition, praise, and honor.
Now that’s a tall order. I mean, living a life that in every way and at all times glorifies God is certainly a noble and holy endeavor. But is it really possible? Can you actually function in a way that every thought, every word, and every action is in every way reflecting to the world around you the absolute greatness, majesty, wonder, and supremacy of the Almighty God of the Universe? My answer to you is, yes—yes you can! You can “do everything through Christ who gives you the strength.” (Philippians 4:13.)
(12:35) In Conclusion
If you would like to learn more about today’s study, or if you’re interested in learning more about our ministry, be sure to visit our website to see the multitude of resources we’ve made available to you – you can find our website at ThePurityCoach.com
One of those resources I would like to highlight for you here is my book entitled “Extreme Mind Makeover: How to transform sinful thoughts and habits into patterns of life pleasing to God.” This book takes you on a journey through the Bible to examine what God has to say about how your thoughts, words, and actions influence and impact your heart.
Jesus said, “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.” (Matthew 12:33) Your thoughts bear fruit: your behavior. When you train your mind to think godly thoughts, the fruit of your life – the things you do day in and day out – will be godly. On the flip side, when you allow your mind to think sinful, fleshly, ungodly thoughts, the fruit of your life (your daily attitudes and actions) will be ungodly. So, how do I change the way I think? How do I change the things I do? How do I successfully and effectively guard my heart? This book, “Extreme Mind Makeover” takes you into God’s Word to help you answer those questions.
So go to our website, ThePurityCoach.com, and check out our resources page, or go directly to Amazon.com and purchase your copy of “Extreme Mind Makeover” today.
If you haven’t subscribed to this podcast yet, let me encourage you to do so today so you won’t miss any of our upcoming episodes!
So, until next time this is Author, Speaker, and Purity Coach Steve Etner reminding you that if you are going to glorify God in your everyday living, He must first be glorified in your every moment thinking.