This is so important as we mature in our faith because our reactions are what make people wonder about what we believe. We need to be an example to people of what Christ has done for us so we let the Spirit lead us and we slow down how we react and react like Christ. It is so important for us to change and work on being a new creation so we can let people see that with Christ we can do all things. When we are learning and trying to live by the Spirit we must work on our actions constantly and not just use our words.
In verse 22 it says, “But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”
People are watching us always when we call ourselves “Christians” so be ready to live it out and continually work at maturing, asking God to fill you with wisdom and understanding. Doing religious things does not make us “Christian” heart change and living differently is what shows God we love Him.
I love verse 26 which says, “If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.”
You will not be helping the Kingdom of Heaven and you will cause people to stumble.
Verse 27 says, “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.”
I pray for God to give us the strength to see past the world and all its selfish ways and for us to be slow to react to our emotions and truly let Him lead. We need to seek God and work on living a way that looks like the example God gave us with Christ. We can’t do it on our own but we need to open our hearts to let the Spirit fill us. Amen