Does it make any difference what people think of us? Some decide to follow this mentality, “I will do what I want to do, and what others think doesn’t matter.” This approach at times has the appearance of wisdom. However, where God is concerned, what we do and what we say is directly tied to our representation of who he is.

When we profess to be “Christians,” yet employ sinful behaviors such as slander, self-centeredness, uncontrolled anger or other similar actions, we cannot be a positive witness for the kingdom. When our actions are based in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and gentleness, God is not only honored, but people are more likely to see Christ in us.

Sometimes, we fool ourselves into believing, or believe the lies of the Enemy, whereby we think we can do whatever we want with no consequences. Paul spoke to the reality of how behaviors affect our eternal destiny.

9 Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality,10 or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people—none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God. (I Cor 6:9-10)

Here Paul is speaking about constant habitual behavior that defines the participant and where there is no repentance for the sin. Paul adds to the list of “ungodly” pursuits that define worldly lifestyles in Galatians 5

19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division ,21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Paul makes makes a definitive statement in each list of behaviors, “no one living that sort of/definition of life, will inherit the kingdom of God. This is not a maybe scenario. Paul says “none will” and “will not,” both of which are declarations without conditions.

As believers, we should rely on God’s grace, but be responsible for our behaviors. We should diligently desire and act out our lives so that they glorify God and do not cause others to stumble. We should strive toward holiness. Is your daily journey through this life a true witness for Christ? If not, you may fool people, but God is neither fooled nor amused.

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