Practicing Inconsistency
Read this carefully. Once completed, read it again. If necessary, read it one more time after that. Let it marinate.
“So they may profess that they have seen the truth of the gospel, and that they not only think, but know, that the Scripture is the word of God. But if it be so, why do they not take more heed to it? Why do they live not only as if they were not certain of it, but as if they were certain of the contrary? If they know that those commands which are in the Bible are the commands of God, then they are worthy of the greatest regard; if they know that those promises and threatenings which are found there, are the promises and threatenings of God, then surely they should be of great weight with us. Why do they seem to be of so little weight with them? ... So they may tell how God has manifested his love to their souls, has given his Spirit to witness with their spirit that they are the children of God. But if God has done such great things for them, and they are admitted to such unspeakable privileges above others, surely they ought to do more than others. They should not appear more carnal, and careless, and unchristian in their temper and walk than other men who make no such pretenses. Thus wicked men’s practice is very often inconsistent with their profession. Their practice is inconsistent with their hope of eternal life.” (Jonathan Edwards)
“They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.” (Titus 1:16)
How does that sit with you? How are we to then live? If your answer is “like Christ”, then you ought to walk in the same manner as He walked, correct? If you are unclear as to what that looks like in the practical, daily sense, get to know your Savior. Read through the gospels and ask yourself these questions:
How did Jesus communicate with people?
How did Jesus respond to His antagonists and temptations?
How did He live life with His disciples and followers?
How did He love?
How was He obedient?
How did He serve?
How did He sacrifice?
Once you have some of those answers, seek to live just like Him by submitting your life to Him in every way, and allow the Holy Spirit to live and work through you.
