July 19th –Proverbs 19: Keep the Commandment, Keep Your Soul!

“He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But he who is careless of conduct will die.” – Proverbs 19:16

Obedience to the commands of God has a direct effect on the state of our soul! So that leads me to ask why people seem so flippant about the Word of God? Many believers treat the scriptures as if they were optional, to be obeyed, WHEN THEY FEEL LIKE IT! But our spiritual lives literally depend on heeding the commands of God, they aren’t optional! Our soul is in jeopardy if we honestly think that we can get through this life by picking choosing which of God’s commands we will obey and which we will not. I have literally watched believers harden during a sermon that I or others have preached. You can see the look cross their face and loud as can be you can hear their thoughts, “I’m not doing that!”

We are responsible for the truth we possess. If God has gone out of His way to reveal something of Himself to you through the scriptures or through the Spirit, you are responsible for that knowledge! Claiming ignorance on the Day of Judgment won’t work!

"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” – Luke 12:47,48

“He who is careless of conduct will die.” Spiritual death enters in when we walk flippantly and not circumspectly. We need to examine our WAYS and inspect our CONDUCT. When we do, we can easily judge ourselves to see whether or not we are walking in faith. Every act and action in our lives points to a value or priority. If our actions are unfruitful and unspiritual, our priorities and values are off.

Our conduct is IMPORTANT! So many Christians have embraced a “Greasy Grace” or a “Sloppy Agape” that somehow excuses our conduct here on earth. They sin willfully and then flippantly claim the mercy and grace of God, “No big deal” they say. NOT TRUE! Your conduct really does reflect your heart.

“A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” – Matthew 7:18,19

LIFE LESSON:

Yes! Walk in and believe in the Grace of God, but don’t use it as an excuse to cover up evil!