At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, our mission is to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us.” We achieve this through our “Just 3” approach: Study, Share, and Serve. In this blog post, we will explore the essence of living a virtuous life, as inspired by one of Jim’s sermons. This involves more than just a five-minute devotion; it requires a holistic commitment to God in every aspect of our lives.
The Foundation: Fear of the Lord
Proverbs 1:7 (NIV) states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” This verse sets the foundation for a virtuous life. The fear of the Lord is not about being terrified of God but having a deep reverence and respect for Him. It means acknowledging His sovereignty and aligning our lives according to His will.
Daily Devotion: More Than Five Minutes
Many of us have devotional books that we read from daily, and while these are wonderful tools, Jim reminds us that our devotion to God should extend beyond a mere five minutes. Psalm 1:2 (NIV) says, “But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” Our relationship with God should permeate every aspect of our lives, from the music we listen to, the movies we watch, the books we read, to the words we share with others.
Incorporating God in Every Aspect of Life
1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV) instructs us, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” This means that our devotion to God should be evident in our daily activities. Whether we are at work, at home, or in our communities, our actions should reflect our commitment to Him.
Walking in Integrity
Jim emphasizes the importance of walking in integrity, which he describes as walking in a path of righteousness. Proverbs 10:9 (NIV) says, “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.” Integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is watching. It involves honesty, trustworthiness, and moral uprightness.
Practical Steps to Walk in Integrity
- In Business: Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV) advises, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
- In Relationships: Ephesians 4:25 (NIV) says, “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”
- In Personal Conduct: Philippians 4:8 (NIV) encourages us, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Conclusion
Living a virtuous life requires more than a five-minute devotion. It demands a holistic commitment to God, evident in our daily actions and interactions. At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we strive to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us” through our “Just 3” approach: Study, Share, and Serve. By incorporating God into every aspect of our lives and walking in integrity, we can truly live a life that honors Him.
