Nougat 3

The story is told of a child who was reprimanded by parents for telling lies. Shortly after the reprimand, the parent had an undesired visitor. Imagine the mortification when the child ‘honestly’ stated “… says I’m to say they’re not here!” But maybe it was comeuppance for the reprimand. This is also a serious caution to believers. Please receive today’s Holy Nougat

“Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but become an example of the faithful—in speech, in conduct, in love, in faithfulness, and in purity.”

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭TLV‬‬

Of course, we are aware that there are persons who set us up to see how we respond. And we also note that the lesson is followed by a test. Nevertheless, we may find that our actions influence or impact others in the here and now, as well as the future.

Hezekiah, one of Israel’s best kings, was all about God’s will, faithful in all he did. Until the test came. It was subtle, a diplomatic envoy came by and he set before them all the blessings of the kingdom. He showed the palace and the Temple. Almost immediately after the guests’ departed; the word came that the tour was the most unwise decision. The envoy was as spies; for the Israelite kingdom would be overtaken by the kingdom of those very same guests in the future. It didn’t happen in his lifetime; but it was a reality some time after.

Like Hezekiah, we might think that it doesn’t have negative repercussions now; but fact is, our words and actions have impact. Our actions must be a testimony of God. Even when it seems no one notices. (And with the proliferation of security cameras … we are under greater scrutiny than ever). There is, of course, the legacy our actions make for us. When our light shines; God gets the glory! This is Jesus’ admonition in Matthew 5.

Further, we recognize that sometimes our actions are about God’s instruction; which is not always understood by onlookers. I have a few friends who have lives this personally, especially in this season. One such obeyed and was surprised to see what God had had in store for the entire family. Another was profoundly impacted in their own faith walk. This of course requires that we are attuned to God’s Spirit.

In all we do, may our conduct be that of persons for whom God’s will is first priority.

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May all we seek be found in Christ