I Know What That Means . . . I think (Part 1)

Note: I've read this and read this. I apologize in advance if it sounds condescending. I absolutely did NOT mean it that way. But if it helps even one person, who didn't know what a word meant, then I'm happy I wrote this.


The English language is an amazing thing. Words have meanings and we use those words to express thoughts, emotions, ideas.

It can get kind of confusing, though, if you don't know what words mean. And some of the words in the Bible, especially in some of the older versions, are not words we use today. Its easy to read a verse and say, ok, I'm good there, never done that. But if we really don't know what the listed sins are, we may be sinning and not realize it.

I want to share some definitions with you. Some things you know, from scripture, are wrong. But maybe you don't know what these things actually are.

So, here goes.

Let's start with some of the sins listed in Galatians 5.

Adultery - this one may not be as misunderstood as some others. Adultery is voluntary sexual activity between a married person and someone other than his or her lawful spouse. And the Bible calls it a sin.

Fornication is voluntary sexual activity between a married person and someone other than his or her lawful spouse. In other words, fornication is any sexual activity outside of marriage. And that includes sexual activity between two people who are not married or who may be engaged. Engaged is not married. And the Bible calls it a sin.

Uncleanness means morally impure, evil or vile.

Lasciviousness. Now that's a word we use in everyday language, right? Not! But it is sinful so. . . lasciviousness means arousing sexual desire, or indicating sexual interest or expressive of lust or lewdness. Examples? Pornography, suggestive jokes, stories or movies. Attire can be lascivious, as well. Clothing that is too tight, or that draws attention to certain body parts is lascivious. And the Bible calls it a sin.

That's enough for today. I'll be following up with more definitions in a later blog.

Now, I have a question for you all. If you don't mind, shoot me a quick email and let me know - was this helpful? Were these words you have heard a lot before but maybe didn't really understand? Or am I "preaching to the choir," so to speak?




  

Who is watching you?

Proverbs 8:20 (ESV)
I walk in the way of righteousness, in the paths of justice,

Have you ever seen a child walking behind an adult, trying to match their footsteps to the adult's? Have you seen your daughter dressing up in your clothes, carrying an old purse and trying to act just like you? Have you watched your little boy trying to walk around in his daddy's shoes?

Children are little imitators. They watch our every move. They try to be like us. They want to be just like us when they grow up.

The problem is, they see the good and the bad that we do. Words or sayings that you don't think twice about using sound absolutely horrible when they come out of your child's mouth.

Even if you don't have children, there is someone watching you. Children at worship services, children in the grocery store, children at the mall - there are children everywhere. Those children are watching people everywhere. They see things that most adults miss.

Now remember that we are to be like little children and we are to be imitators of Christ and God. So imagine the wonderful influence you can have on children who watch you if you are imitating our Savior. Proverbs 8:20 is God saying that He walks in the way of righteousness and in paths of justice. He is our example and we are examples to others, children and adults.

Who is watching you? And what are you showing them? Are you being an example for good or for evil?

I'm praying for all of us, mothers or not, who are being examples to others, whether we realize it or not. I'm praying we will be imitators of our Father and by doing so, we can be a good example for others to follow.

Galatians 2:20 (NASB)
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Bad News?

Psalm 112:7 (ESV)
He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.

We all, in our lifetimes, will receive bad news. Someone you love is ill. Your job is being downsized. A loved one has died. A friend has betrayed a confidence. You find out you are seriously ill.

We all face these things, they are common to man.

So how do you respond? Do you ask, "Why me?" Do you get angry? Do you give up hope?

If your heart is firm, trusting in the Lord, you won't fear those times of bad news. You will remember that He is in control of everything. He has us in His hand. Things may not turn out as we wish during this lifetime, but God is faithful and has promised us eternity with Him if we are faithful to Him.

Feel your faith wavering at times? Look back through the Old Testament. Think of all the promises that God made and then see how He fulfilled every one of them. Promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, and so many others.

Then remember Matthew 10:30-31. The very hairs of your head are numbered, and you are worth far more than the sparrows and He knows every one of them.