Good morning people who live lives worthy of The Lord Jesus Christ

I thank God that we live in an era of grace. I am so grateful that our best ‘religious’ efforts are not needed to make us holy; that it is a work of the Spirit of God because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. I am grateful that I do not have to be self-righteous or work for my salvation…

…but I am also aware that living a life pleasing to God does require me to be disciplined and self-controlled. In fact, part of the fruit of the Spirit is ‘self-control’ – it is not a bad word or a sign of people striving. It is evidence of the Spirit of God.

Here’s what the Bible says about how we are to live life:

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV) Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Today I simply want to encourage us to live lives worthy of Christ Jesus, but to do so from the foundation of His grace, goodness and acceptance.

“How are you running the race of life? Is there some area that you need to be more disciplined or self-controlled in? Will you make a change today – for the glory of God?”