45 – Rethink: Godliness
Ephesians 5:13-15
13 All things that God doesn’t like are manifested by the light
15 You have to walk aware
God will show you what’s right and wrong. The dark is not going to identify itself as wrong. It takes light to illuminate darkness. We must put ourselves in the position to do this.
Keeping it real doesn’t mean you can keep things the way they were and be Godly.
Rethink how you do things.
You must read your Bible. Not just the Daily Bread. It will teach you where you’re wrong and show you where you’re wrong. You must study.
One match can dispel darkness. That’s the power we have. We have to let our little light shine.
You’re in the position you are in to magnify His name. God put you there. Be willing to use whatever platform you have to tell others about Him. We have been called to be light bearers.
Dark times:
Folks don’t care about others.
Will rob you in church.
Killed as you walk out your house.
Teachers taking advantage of students everyday.
Folks in jail have as much public presence as those outside of jail.
Loose connection to The Church…..strong connection to the World
In the Old Testament light is often used as a symbol of goodness, uprightness or blessings.
In the New Testament light is used to point towards Jesus Christ.
The more Godly you are, the more light you reflect.
Must show others the worth of your walk in order for them to want to follow it.
Light attracts.
We’re supposed to be attractive to other folks.
“L” is for loving your neighbor as yourself.
Your neighbor is the one you hate.
Pray for those who abuse you.
16 references tell us to love our neighbor as ourselves in the Bible.
“I” is for imitating Christ!
Greek word for imitate is to duplicate. You’re becoming a copy of Christ.
Paul said, “Follow me as I follow Christ.”
We’re the only church some may see.
Be the best copy of Christ that you can be.
“G” is for growing to know others.
Gotta learn folks in order to grow.
You have to invest in friendship.
Gotta invest in others in order to draw dividends later.
Challenge: Know two more people act 45th at the end of the year than you do now.
“H” is for helping or hospitality!
In Bible times, the host of the house was obligated to care for strangers.
“T” is for telling others of Jesus!
People need to meet Jesus BEFORE they meet Him. Don’t want to show up on His doorstep and Him say, “I never knew you.”
It is a privilege to tell others about Him. Show someone who He is. Your testimony should tell others who He is. Don’t let your shyness be mistaken for shame. Be undignified for Him.
Tamala R. Maddox, Ph.D.
Principal
R.F. Bumpus Middle School