In this past Sunday's sermon Pastor Sam made the following observation (paraphrased here): We are not Gnostics. Our Christianity is not just about what's hidden in our hearts; it's observable.
Our pastor referenced the epistle of First Peter. In the first chapter of this letter, we learn that Christians' lives, more than their words, indicate what they believe. Peter writes: "Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your behavior; because it is written, 'You shall be holy because I am holy.'" (First Peter 1:13-14, emphasis mine)
Conformity, in some form, will be found in all of us. The question becomes, to what are we conformed? According to the First Peter passage, Christians ought experience a shift: the soul that was once conformed to worldly lusts is transformed, and as a result it becomes conformed to God's likeness. What does this look like in a practical sense? It looks like the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23). As Pastor Sam shared, and I paraphrase here, it is neither more seminary nor more philosophy that will help us become "better" Christians, but more of the Spirit of God. A confession of faith, accompanied by actions which demonstrate the love of God in a fallen world, paint a picture of authentic Christianity.
Lord God, you know the confessions of my mouth, the actions of my body, and the intentions of my heart. May every part of me be managed and directed by You. Please conform my will to Yours by the power of Your Spirit. Amen.
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