SCRIPTURE: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” (Titus 3:5 KJV)
QUOTE: “When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost. – Billy Grahams
NOTE:
As God’s temple, leaders are to emulate the grace and holiness of our Savior, walk according to the Spirit and not according to the flesh and reflect the character of our Savior- the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul demonstrated how Christlike love relates to moral and upright living. If we truly love our neighbors as ourselves, we’ll reflect the “fruit of the Spirit” in our relationships rather than the “works of the flesh” (Galatians 5:19-23). Leaders should discard the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12). Even though God redeemed us so that we will do good works (Ephesians 2:10), this does not happen automatically when we’re saved. We can still use our free will “to satisfy the fleshly desires” in us or to walk “according to the Spirit” (Romans 8:5). In order to live in God’s will, we must daily “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 13:14).
ILLUSTRATION:
“Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.”
REFLECTION:
- How firm are you allowing the Spirit dictate to your flesh?
- How can we avoid desecrating His temple (our body)?
TWO YEAR BIBLE READING: Exodus 30 – 31, Psalm 48