1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV) So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

Many people live lives that are different depending on where they are or who they're with. For example, if someone is with their co-workers, they are one way, while if they are with their manager or the "higher-ups," they're another way. They may be one way with a group of friends that are considered hip and cool and another way with friends that are a little nerdy. For Christians, many times they are one way in church and another way when they are anywhere else. Even believers have learned to mimic behaviors that are considered acceptable wherever they happen to be or whoever they happen to be with. But God never intended it to be that way.

God meant for us to be our true selves no matter where we are or who we are with. He didn't mean for us to be careful about our behavior when we are in a church building and then to "relax" and act in a totally different manner when we leave. It is not a greater sin to do something sinful in a church building than it is to do it anywhere else, but somehow, many people have this engraved in their minds. The Lord wants us to be genuine in our faith, which means that we are the same person wherever we go and whoever we're with. We are not supposed to change like chameleons. If I am a true follower of Christ, then that will show no matter where I find myself. The fact that Jesus is my Lord and Savior should affect everything that I do and say and affect every relationship that I have. If I happen to find myself among people that I used to hang around with before I was saved, then they will be witnesses of the fact that I am not the same person that they knew before. The Word of God calls that "becoming a new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17) and that's what the verse above is all about. God breaks it down to the most basic things that we as humans do. What is more basic than eating and drinking, something that we must do to survive? Yet Jesus expects us to do even those basic things in a manner that will glorify God. It's how He wants us to live but it is also how we grow and mature and enjoy the blessings of peace and joy among other things.

Join the ranks of people that are spiritually and emotionally whole by walking in the newness of life that Jesus died to purchase for you. Wherever you go, your love and devotion to Jesus will lead the way no matter where you are or who you're with. Instead of living two different lives, you will lead a life that is completely unified. A unified life is a powerful witness to a world that is not used to seeing real, genuine people who are not just trying to fit in where they happen to be. When you live that way, not only will your soul be at rest but you will be a light shining in the darkness to people who desperately need to see the light of Jesus.

Pastor Joey Vazquez