JANUARY 3, 2010

ALL SMOKE AND NO FIRE

Scripture Reading--Psalm 78:36-37

"Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto

him with their tongues. For their heart was not right with him, neither

were they stedfast in his covenant" ( emphasis added ).

Talk is cheap! It's easy to say the right and live the wrong way. We can compliment a person to his face but tear him apart behind his back. We can be sweet to our spouse in public but be as mean as a snake at home. We can praise God during church service but take His name in vain at work. James 3:10 says, "Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be." It's to easy to be "all smoke and no fire!"

In Mark 7:6b, Jesus said, "This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me." Try to imagine the pain Jesus felt when He spoke those words. He knew the people were saying all the right things, but their lives didn't match their words. That's hypocrisy!

An actor is trained to act like someone he isn't. He dresses and talks like the character. But when he steps off the stage, he's someone else. Some Christians act the same way. When they are around other believers, they play their roles to perfection. But when they live in the world, no one would suspect they know the Lord.

When professing Christians talk big but live little, they are all smoke and no fire! God requires us to live up to our profession. When we do, God is pleased; and others see a clear testimony of a genuine Christian. Let's not be guilty of grieving the Lord and confusing others.

APPLICATION: What activities in your life make God unhappy and hurt your testimony for Him? Be willing to let Him change those areas so you will be consistent.

--Jack Palmer--

READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN " 1 " YEAR: Exodus cc. 21-24