Why is it that some people can believe in God, even to the point of being baptized for the forgiveness of their sins, yet the life they live daily is one of immorality, lust, deceit, selfishness, and all kinds of other deeds that are bent on satisfying the flesh? Or how come some can praise God with the fruit of their lips on Sundays, and throughout the week, those same lips curse, swear, tell “dirty-jokes”, and engage in all types of worldly discussions?
No one answer can be given for everyone who falls into the above category; however, there is one consistent theme that seems to weave its way into the fabric of the life of the one who ends here – living for something other than God’s approval.
In John 12: 42-43 we read, “Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God (NASB).” While we aren’t told of the depth of their belief, we are told of the shallowness of their conviction. Knowing these were choosing the approval of men above that of God, Jesus explained in the following verses that the one who truly believes will no longer remain in darkness and all it entails.
Usually, when someone reaches the conclusion they can give God a token and then simply live anyway they desire, they have fallen into the same trap. The approval they seek may be that of other people; however, many times, they are seeking their own approval in that they live to please the superficial fleshly side. It’s a terrible tragedy when one who believes themselves to be a Christian, lives in the darkness that accompanies disbelief.
May God bless you as you walk with HIM!
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