I just finished reading an article entitled, “U-Turn: How the Church Can Save America” written by David Barton and George Barna in the February 2015 issue of Charisma magazine. The summation of their article stated that we needed to stop counting the numbers/bigness of churches, etc., and start living individually as God would want us to live according to the Fruit of the Spirit.
They wrote, “Rather than worrying about your attendance record or your year-to-date offering total, how would your life change if your definition of a successful life and ministry hinged on practicing love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control (see Gal. 5:22&23)?”
Sharing further, “Christ’s modern-day followers must focus on truth and obedience rather than the glamour and material advantage of massive numbers. The kingdom of God is better off with 100 sold-out followers of Christ than 100 million fair-weather fans. Frankly, in America today we are closer to the latter than the former. We can change that, but as with everything, it must start with you.”
Sometimes I feel like I’m one lone voice ‘crying in the wilderness’ regarding living to imitate Christ in all we do. In this past year, I’ve written and posted over 120 articles on my website: www.carolclemans.org rebuilding it after it was hacked losing 180+ articles. If you would take time to review the current articles, there is a Bible theme running through them about our accountability to God on a daily basis for our every thought, feeling and action. If we are Spirit filled, we must allow the Fruit of the Spirit to manifest itself in our words and actions.
I travel and teach God’s Word for churches and conferences. I had a pastor tell me at a conference that he enjoyed the fact that I used so much of the Word of God in my teaching. Isn’t that what Paul told Timothy to do is, “Preach the Word?” I provide nationwide phone/Skype counseling and people are begging to know how to apply the Word of God to their daily lives. The pastors that invite me to teach at their churches tell me they love the teaching of the Word for practical living as children of God for spiritual, emotional and relational growth and healing in God.
I recently posted an article entitled, “What is Hypocrisy?” Unbelievers have a clear understanding how they feel a Christian is supposed to act. When they see people claiming to be Christian who act just like them (the unbeliever) that is what they call hypocrisy.
The baptism of the Holy Ghost does not force us to be Christ-like. We must allow the Spirit inside of us to ‘rule on the throne of our heart.’ If God is on the throne of our heart, we will be Christ-like. It is a decision to follow holiness in word, action and attitude in all circumstances. This is what the world needs to see.
Ephesians 5:1-2 (NLT), “1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” This is the fulfillment of allowing the Fruit of the Spirit to reign in our life. Each of us minister to those around us on the job, in the community, with family and friends. The question is: “Do others see Christ in me?” This is how we evangelize. We allow our ‘light’ to shine before men so they can see God in us. Then we share the ‘good news’ of the gospel and stand for God’s truth.
We all must become students of God’s Word. John 5:39 (AMP),“39 You search and investigate and pore over the Scriptures diligently, because you suppose and trust that you have eternal life through them. And these [very Scriptures] testify about Me!” Paul said, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” If we want to help save America, we must start with us as individuals! Begin in the home. What we are in the home is our true self. Do we reflect the glory of God in our words, actions and attitudes? Our purpose on earth is:
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV) “19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” When we glorify God in our body and spirit, we are a living witness to others to change our world.
Carol Clemans is an anointed Bible teacher, Certified Pastoral Counselor, Certified Christian Life Coach. She provides nationwide confidential counseling by phone/Skype (636) 448-0121. Teaching CD’s, DVD’s, book: “God’s Design for Marriage” are available through: www.carolclemans.org. Revs. Harold & Carol Clemans’ pastor is Jerry Dillon, Madison, MS.