2 Corinthians 7:12-16

2 Corinthians 7:12-16  In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.  I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me.  But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well.  And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling.  I am glad I can have complete confidence in you. 

Do people boast about your life as a Christian?  Have you changed since you believed in Christ?  Sadly, some people take Jesus into their lives and then continue on IN their old ways.  They go to the same places, have communion with the same debilitating people, lead unregenerated lives rather than righteous lives.  If Titus visited your home, could he boast in what you are doing and in what you are saying?  Would he feel at home with your associates?  Would he agree with the words that emanate from your mouth?  These are questions requiring an answer.  We sometimes fool ourselves in believing God puts a stamp of approval on our lifestyles, no matter what we do.  He won't, He doesn't if we reject change.  All things should become new to us once we are saved: old ways, habits, lifestyles, even companions should be put aside if they are in any way destructive to our new life.  As we become new inwardly, our desires and choices should reflect that newness.  Paul was  extremely happy with Titus' testimony of the Corinthians, for Titus relayed to Paul the Corinthians' progress in their faith and their reflection of Christ in their lives.  Were the Corinthians perfect?  No, for even in this letter, Paul still advises them to live an exemplary life in Christ.  He still encourages them to be strong witnesses for the Lord--to bless people with their love and zeal for the Lord and with their material goods.  

We should also be progressing in our daily walk.  Not only should we attempt to do good, but as we walk in the Lord our basic instinct in life is so changed that we also desire to please him at all times.  As the Bible says, Christians should reckon themselves dead to sin, by no longer serving their sinful desires and doing wicked acts or displaying their Godless NATURE.  If we allow the old man to remain alive in us, we do harm to the regenerating work of the cross within us.  We then fail to progress IN CHRIST, for we betray HIS work that He has begun in us.  If our lifestyle mimics the world, how can Jesus' light be clearly revealed and seen.  What hope of eternal life do we present to the world if we send a message of hypocrisy to them?   Our acquaintances will easily realize our lives betray our words.  If this is true, we are merely spouting another philosophy; we are another empty windbag, consisting of nothing but hot air, pointless and anointless words, for tomorrow we die.  

As Christians we always need to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit within us, for He is in us to help and to guide us.  He shows us what it means to be IN CHRIST.  If you have failed or are lacking in spiritual gifts, all is not lost, for it is Christ in you the hope of glory.  The great mystery of the Christian life is that we are IN CHIRST AND HE IS IN US.  But we should live that reality.  When we find our lives shallow, unproductive, lacking signs of regeneration, we should pay attention to the Holy Spirit within us.  He is always attuning us to Christ's walk, behavior, and attitude; otherwise, conforming us to the will of God.  As Jesus did, becoming nothing so God could be everything, so do we.  We die daily to the old man's will, so Christ can be the Lord of our lives and live through us.  If we live such a life, others will see Christ in us.  We will be that "peculiar" people the Bible describes--God's elect.  However, if we reflect ourselves, if the fleshly self is too much alive in us, no one will see the LIGHT OF THE WORLD, CHRIST JESUS.  Children of God, put on the whole armor of God; stand as He stands against the nature and the wiles of this world.  This is a challenge to all us, but if Titus, full of the Holy Spirit, would come and visit our homes, would he send back a good report to Paul, or would he be somewhat sad?