Earlier today on Bellshill Salvation Army Band’s Facebook page I shared the devotions I shared at band practice last night. I’d like to share those devotions with you tonight.
When trying to fill a vacancy post at work, you review the application form or CV submitted by each applicant, to see if they meet the pre-defined criteria required to warrant an interview for the vacancy.
You may find that none of the applicants are of sufficient quality or be c considered for an interview for the post, or you may be fortunate that you get lots of applicants that merit an interview.
This got me wondering how I would fair if I had to apply to God to be a Christian – would I even merit an interview, or would I not meet any of the criteria to be considered a Christian?
The Holy Spirit produces a different kind of fruit: unconditional love, joy, peace, patience, kindheartedness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. You won’t find any law opposed to fruit like this. Those of us who belong to the Anointed One have crucified our old lives and put to death the flesh and all the lusts and desires that plague us.
Now since we have chosen to walk with the Spirit, let’s keep each step in perfect sync with God’s Spirit. This will happen when we set aside our self-interests and work together to create true community instead of a culture consumed by provocation, pride, and envy.
Galatians 5:22-26 (The Voice)
When others look at you, do they see someone who is loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kindhearted, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled Christian, or do they see something else?
If the answer is no, do you think God would still give you an interview for the job of a Christian? Of course he would! God doesn’t expect us to be perfect – he simply asks that we seek his help to be the best version of us that we can be.
While thinking about the qualities or characteristics required of a Christian, I’ve reminded of the following lines of the song ‘Lord, If Your Presence’.
How will anyone know we are your people Unless you go before us? How will anyone know we go in your name Unless your blessing is over us?
From those few lines of ‘Lord, If Your Presence’, it’s clear that we need God to guide us in everything we do, so that others can see that all we do, is done in His name. So I pray today that we will each ask for God’s help and guidance in all we do, so that when others see or hear our words and actions they will know we are Christians.
The Distinct Dot 