When I was a child, I remember hearing “Not in this family we don’t”. What my parents meant by that was, it didn’t matter what everyone else was doing. There was a certain level of behavior expected from us. There were certain things we were not going to do/say, etc. You know that verse in Proverbs that says “a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches?” (Proverbs 22:1) This is the principle many parents teach their children without using the exact words.
The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
Psalm 16:6
I am blessed to come from a goodly heritage on both sides of my family. Anytime I mention who my Grandfather is, people have nothing but positive things to say. And when my father-in-law’s name is brought up, people always smile. It is a blessing. I hope my children pass on the same heritage to their children one day.
But the most important heritage of all, is from our father in heaven.
Unfortunately, Christians who walk away from God and live like the ungodly have given Christianity a bad name. Hypocrisy makes the witness of these Christians, and others, of little effect. Think about this…
If you are a salesperson trying to sell a vacuum, but others know you own said vacuum and your own house is dirty, it makes it more difficult to sell your product. Our actions have to match up with our words. The proof is in the pudding, so to speak.
They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
John 8:39
Jesus spoke this truth to the Jews that sought to kill him. Though I’m not a Jew, I can still learn from this harsh truth. If I am a child of God, I would do the works of God. Am I being his hands? Am I being his mouth here on this earth? Am I showing his love to others?
