A Thought For The Week Of September 9

"Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace." (2 Corinthians 1:12) So, have we? Have you? Have I? I'd like to think that Christians always conduct themselves with integrity, but unfortunately we know that isn't always the case. You usually don't have to look too far into the news to find an example of a Christian "leader" who doesn't act the way we would expect - and that's just "leaders." I imagine your average everyday Christians are subject to the same failing. The question might be why? Is it inevitable? Are we destined to fail? Destined to act unethically? Destined to behave in ways that dishonour God and bring Christ into disrepute. I suppose we're human; we're not perfect. So, we're going to make mistakes. But conscience is a wonderful gift God has given us. If we listen to our conscience (that little voice that pops up saying - "hold on a minute") then we could avoid most of the trouble that can engulf us - and be a much better witness to Christ. Maybe it's what Paul meant by the difference between worldly wisdom and God's grace. If we depend on God to guide us, and take that guidance seriously - the guidance that tells us to love and serve others with compassion - we generally won't get too far off track. Following the wisdom of the world, though - the way that tells me all too often that it's all about me and what I want - can lead us into places we'd rather not go. I hope as this week begins, we can all commit to living by the grace of God, and following the way God lays out before us. Have a great week!