“As the Lord has called everyone, so let him
walk" 1 Corinthians 7:17.
Religion which has
no practical impact on our daily lives quickly becomes a vague, abstract notion
that amounts to nothing. Yet many have nothing more than an empty profession to
prove they are Christians. They are like the cinnamon tree whose outer bark is
more valuable than all else that remains. The apostle speaks of such people in
his letter to Titus: "They profess that they know God, but in works they
deny him, being abominable and disobedient, and unto every good work
reprobate" Titus 1:6.
What is meant by
"good works" becomes clear in the following chapter Titus 2:2-8,
where the apostle presents the duties which Christians ought to perform. A good
Christian but a nagging wife, a godly man but a negligent father-- these are
contradictions that cannot be reconciled. The man who does not walk uprightly
in his own house is nothing more than a hypocrite at church. If you are not a
Christian in your shop, you are not a Christian in your closet-- even though
you may pray there. If your faith founders in one way, it cannot flourish in
any other. Some professing Christians fail in their duties toward their fellow
men, while maintaining an outward show of worship to God. Others falter in acts
of worship while seeming to be steadfast in their duties to their fellow men.
Both inconsistencies are destructive to the soul. The soldier who stands in
order is conscientious toward the whole duty that lies on him in regard to both
God and man.
Third, to stand in order means we must stay within
the bounds of our place and calling. The Israelites were commanded every man "to
pitch by his own standards" Numbers 2:2. This meant they were to be
"arranged in order," as in a military formation. God allows no
stragglers in His army of saints. "As the Lord has called every one, so
let him walk" Corinthians 7:17.”
Quoted material from, ”The Christian in Complete Armour Daily Readings in Spiritual Warfare” by Gurnall and James S Bell. http://www.moodypublishers.com/pub_productDetail.aspx?id=41823&pid=53617
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