Food for thought:
Recently I was privy to viewing someone’s text messages. In one of the responses the “f” word was used. I’m not talking about “faith” or “fun” or “fiddlesticks”. When I saw it, I thought…Why do people have to use such foul language as if it’s normal and okay conversation…especially from a child of God. There was joking involved in the messages, but still…fiddlesticks! 
The person who texted the word said, “I’m just keeping it real.” Ugh!
I am definitely no saint. If you’re looking for perfection…please look up to God and not this way. This text made me (again) evaluate my own words and actions, and I wanted to encourage all to:
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- Be godly examples in your speech and actions. We are often the only bible someone may read or church someone was encounter, so be an example of worthiness to be known as a child of God.
- As a child of God, you have been set apart. You have the Holy Spirit within you. Be different. Be His. You are His…act like it.
- You can’t make everyone happy. (Just like I may not be making everyone happy in this post. Read the scripture below and hear it from the Word.). Choose to put a smile on God’s face…even if you may get a frown from someone. He matters.
- Live to please God, not man.
- Be kind and wise.
- Encourage each other to do right.
- God will be The Ultimate Judge. Yep, we will face Him one day. You are accountable for all that you say and do. You want to talk trash or act ungodly just to “fit in”, I can just imagine our Heavenly Father crossing His arms and tilting His head when you try to weasel your way out. He knows…remember He knows all and sees all.
- We ALL make mistakes (me…daily), just own up to it, repent, learn from it, don’t do it again, and move on. Just because you know you will be forgiven doesn’t give your permission to do as you please. Ugh…everything you do…Jesus is in and with you.
- Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
Don’t change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but let God change you inside with a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to understand and accept what God wants for you. You will be able to know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect. Romans 12:2
If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. John 15:19
Live like free people, but don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Live as those who are serving God. 1 Peter 2:16
People who don’t believe are living all around you. They may say that you are doing wrong. So live such good lives that they will see the good you do, and they will give glory to God on the day he comes. 1 Peter 2:12
Be wise in the way you act with those who are not believers. Use your time in the best way you can. When you talk, you should always be kind and wise. Then you will be able to answer everyone in the way you should. Colossians 4:5-6
Brothers and sisters, someone in your group might do something wrong. You who are following the Spirit should go to the one who is sinning. Help make that person right again, and do it in a gentle way. But be careful, because you might be tempted to sin too. Help each other with your troubles. When you do this, you are obeying the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to do this, you are only fooling yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Just look at your own work to see if you have done anything to be proud of. You must each accept the responsibilities that are yours. Galatians 6:1-5
I tell you that everyone will have to answer for all the careless things they have said. This will happen on the day of judgment. Your words will be used to judge you. What you have said will show whether you are right or whether you are guilty.” Matthew 12:36-37
Nothing in all the world can be hidden from God. He can clearly see all things. Everything is open before him. And to him we must explain the way we have lived. Hebrew 4:13
You are young, but don’t let anyone treat you as if you are not important. Be an example to show the believers how they should live. Show them by what you say, by the way you live, by your love, by your faith, and by your pure life. 1 Timothy 4:12
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:15-17
Well, I hope you were able to gobble up some goodness in these verses. This “food for thought” was meant for us all. I’m not throwing anyone under the bus or claiming to be the driver of it. Can we agree to strive to be more like Christ daily?
I pray that we Christians will act like and speak like we love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Amen.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
