Devotionals: Qualities of a christian

Devotionals: Qualities of a christian

Posted on December 27, 2008 Updated on December 27, 2008

WHAT LIFE-STYLE?

Memorise: “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20)

Read: Philippians 3:17-21

 Pastor E. Adeboye

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). There are certain characteristics exhibited by Heaven seekers. First, Heaven seekers pursue an uncommon life-style. What causes others to sorrow and weep makes them to jump for joy and celebrate.

The path of Heaven seekers is in sharp contract to the regular path. For instance Matthew 5:10-12 says you should celebrate when persecuted or falsely accused. If your response to persecution is below this heavenly standard, you are not a Heaven seeker. Are you running from persecution in your office or school? You would erode the immeasurable reward due you.

A Heaven seeker seeks Jesus. If you seek Jesus, death will become a stranger to you. Every spirit of death sent your way this season will have the Resurrection and the Life to contend with. You shall not die. None of your loved ones will die. Your source of livelihood will not cease.

 Any good thing that is dead or dying in your life shall come round, because the Resurrection and the Life is visiting you this season. Heaven seekers live on earth the way they would in Heaven. Righteousness is the way of life in Heaven. One reason God expects you to live, talk, think, give and do everything right is to enable you get acquainted with righteousness.

 In Heaven, that is the life-style. The only difference is that there is no devil in Heaven to tempt you to sin. Those who refuse to live the heavenly life on earth, but prefer to do so in Heaven, may never enter Heaven. Your ability to live like heavenly citizens distinguishes you from the sinning crowd, to be selected to live eternally in that blessed land. How are your living today?

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil 3:20). The word ‘Conversation’ is a Greek word ‘Politeuma’ meaning citizenship, government, civil rights, or life-style. If you are not living the heavenly life now, you will end up in hell.

Your life-style determines your destiny. If you live like Jesus, you will end up where He is. But if you live like Satan even in your privacy, Satan will contend for that fellow to spend eternity with him. Imagine a man like Moses: He missed the promised land, although he made it to Heaven yet, Satan contested for his body. There was war between the satanic kingdom and the angels of God over who should keep the lifeless body of Moses (Jude1: 9). Your life-style will determine which kingdom has ownership over you.

Salvation is the passport, Heavenly life-style is the visa to Heaven, while exemplary Christian service particularly soul winning is the Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA). Do you have all three?