Luke 22:54-69
Most of us who call ourselves devoted Christians would not openly deny Jesus. But as the old saying goes, actions speak louder than words. While we may not openly and deliberately deny him with our mouths, how often do we deny him with our actions? As Christians we are called to not just talk the talk but walk the walk.
We may say we believe in Christ but do our actions mimmick our beliefs? Are we convicted in our beliefs? A conviction goes beyond having a personal preference about something. It goes deeper than a subjective opinion. Having convictions is being so thoroughly convinced that something is absolutely true that you take a stand for it regardless of the consequences. When our actions demonstrate that not only do we believe what God says but are willing to act on it, God becomes responsible for the results. That’s the kind of belief in God we all need to have.
During this Advent season millions will be shopping and decorating preparing for a holiday whose meaning is largely lost in society today. Christmas trees have replaced nativities representing the symbolic Christmas. Songs about reindeer and mistletoe have replaced carols proclaiming the Savior’s birth. And Santa has replaced Christ as the most identifiable spokesman for the holiday. In many ways we deny Christ through our actions by excluding him from our lives.
Let’s make this Advent season a time to rekindle our belief in Jesus Christ as the center of our lives and let all our actions be reflective of being a truly convicted Christian.
Prayer: Dear God, may my beliefs turn into convictions, may I put my thoughts and words into deeds and actions, may my actions show the world that I am a Christian. May my words and actions reflect the love that Jesus showed the world and may I never deny Christ as my Lord, savior and redeemer. Amen.
Eric Ulrich has served as the president of the board of directors this year and will continue as treasure in 2013.
