Today’s Reading, Acts 9-10
Focal Scripture: Acts 10:35 “but in every nation the person who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.”
Sports reveals a persons character more than it will shape it from my experience. Yes, sports can help build a person and teach them the proper way to play and be prepared in life for any circumstance. However, sports shows what a person is made up of deep inside. When things go bad how will a person respond? When you have tons of pressure on you to perform, do you shrink from the challenge or rise to the occasion. Can you think outside the box quickly? Do you process information on your feet at a rapid pace to accomplish your goal? As a coach I desire to see what makes a person be motivated to succeed. I want to see who they truly are on the inside.
With that being said we must ask ourselves what type of person is acceptable to the Lord? Here in these verses we find an answer to that very important question. In these verses Peter was given a vision that God wants all people to follow him, this means Jew and Gentile. It also means that nationality and religious history did not make up a persons identity. So what does make up a persons biblical identity? A believer will now be defined as a person who fears him and does what is right. This crosses all religious and cultural lines. The Lord is revealing what true belief looks like according to the scriptures. A devoted heart and life which leads to biblical obedience and fear.
So what does your relationship with the Lord reveal? I have said it a few times the last several days but need to say it again. To many people believe that their religion is going to get them across the finish line to heaven. Other people even believe that their good works will impress God. The Bible teaches that a true believer is one who fears the Lord and follows his teachings. A true believer will abandon their desires and be completely be committed to the Lord’s plan.
So what about you? Are you a person who is obedient to the Lord and has biblical fear? If you are not you need to ask yourself why you are not. To many times people are looking to soften the expectations for believers. We make Christianity palatable so it appeases others. However, what people need is a belief system that reveals who and what they truly hold in their hearts. Biblical Christianity reveals our weaknesses and our dependency on the Lord.
Does your heart reveal dependence on Jesus or self sufficiency? Examine your heart and life today and come to a conclusion.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Acts 11-12
