12Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses
1 Timothy 6:12 NKJV
As Christians, we have certain standards and this means that we try to live our lives modelling ourselves on Jesus. So, when we strike up a friendship with a neighbour or work colleague, we avoid certain gossip or certain things that they may say, including some jokes which do not give witness to our faith. This can tend to label us as 'Religious' and some people may avoid us like we have the plague.
It takes a special person to live in this world with a label such as we have been given and, this in itself can be hard going. When Paul mentions to fight. He is not referring to being a fighter such as in a boxing match: 'Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.' 1 Corinthians 9:26-27. He is actually describing life as a Christian being difficult to live, it can be a fight at times.
Being committed to Jesus does not mean that we have to isolate ourselves from unbelievers, not at all. If we did that, how would people get saved? What it does mean is that we do not divert from our Christians standards - we can mix with them but not be a part of them or their ideology. Some people have nothing to do socially with an unbeliever, possibly because they don't want to be sucked into their beliefs. This is wrong in my opinion; we can still be friends with them without being tainted with the same brush.
Let us not forget that we are lights in this world (Matthew 5:14-15), we shine up the darkness all around. However, we don't put a basket over the light when we are with non Christians friends; in fact we can be just as we are when we are with Christian friends. The last thing we want to portray is being called a 'Holy Joe'. Jesus went where unbelievers were present and so should we
Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard.
If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:
Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.
In Jesus' Name. Amen'
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com
If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk
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