Does Your Inside Match Your Outside?
Does your inside match your outside? Sometimes the attitude can be masked outwardly and others who see us are fooled. But usually the cover-ups will not last long. There is a constant struggle and the attitude eventually wiggles out.
Sound familiar? Of course, because every one of us experiences inner conflict. Do you want to have a sincere spiritual walk with Christ? The key to spiritual integrity is obedience. In the story of Jesus’ miracle at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11), we have great insight regarding the whole business of obedience. There is a challenge in that account for each of us. Jesus’ mother told the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” (v. 5) Whatever He says to you, do it … even though—#1 You are not in the right place, v.2. They were at a wedding, not in church. Great blessings will be experienced everywhere we are obedient. #2 You have a lot of problems, v. 3. They ran out of wine. Problems can drive us away from Jesus if we focus on them instead of Him. #3 You are not encouraged, v. 4. Jesus told Mary, “My hour has not yet come.” She wasn’t discouraged by that but looked for a miracle. #4 You haven’t walked with Him very long, v. 5. Those servants had just met Jesus, yet they were expected to obey Him. #5 You have not seen Him work miracles in your life, v. 11. This was Jesus’ first miracle. These people had to obey Him before He had a track record of miraculous power. #6 You don’t understand the entire process, v. 8. The servants filled the water pots with water when they needed of wine. The Lord expects His followers to obey His every word, even when they can’t see how it fits into the final product. A hardened attitude is a disease. It causes a closed mind and a dark future. When your attitude is positive and your mind is open, the future is bright with hope. Does your inside match your outside?
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.