Nov6

"Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." Titus 1:15-16

Some people say that if we are saved by grace, it makes no difference how we live. They believe that if they are saved they are pure and can live any way they please. Certain cults have developed this teaching, saying they can live in sin because "unto the pure all things are pure." But what Paul is talking about here has nothing to do with moral issues. He is speaking to this issue of legalism and the eating of meats. The teaching of many legalistic cults often includes unusual diets. But Paul says, "Unto the pure all things are pure." In other words, whether you eat meat or don't eat meat makes no difference at all. All food is clean. However, if you are an unbeliever, any special diet you concoct won't make a bit of difference in your relationship with God. Your "special" diet which you believe you are doing to please Him, will not save you! You can eat all the veggies you want, but if you are not right with God, they will not make you pure! Jesus said that it is not the thing that goes into a man that defiles him, but what comes out of him!
"They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him." Many believers can and do deny God by the lives that they live. Sad to say, many deny their Bibles also ~ you can deny the Bible by the life you live, and you can deny God by the life you live. Faith can be tested by just taking a glance around you, and by examining yourselves, in "works" done which would be pleasing to God.

"Being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." Ceremonies and rituals cannot change the evil heart of man ~ only the Word of God can change the human heart! When a heart is changed, a life change is revealed. Saving faith alone produces a godly life!

Application:
Lifestyles of the people around us reveal to us whether or not their lives are based on Kingdom priorites. As Christians, our conduct speaks in itself, what we believe. Whatever we choose to fill our minds with will affect the way we think and act. Let us turn our thoughts to Jesus in every moment of our waking hours and be an example of His goodness.

May God bless you with a wonderful day as "You turn your eyes upon Jesus."

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Love in Christ,
Sandy