Like David, God’s children live among men set on fire. Their hatred of Christians burned like fire in their hearts. They are malicious people who are like man-eating lions, carrying a whole armoury in their mouths to kill and destroy. Their destroying acts are sometimes so final - and to think that the tongue, sharpened on the devil’s grindstone, is more terrible than any weapon raised against God’s people. But we need not fear.

So what part are you in the body of Christ? Membership is more than your name on a roster. It is actively working together in playing your part. If you are a cell–be a part of something much bigger. If you are a finger–support other fingers to make the writing beautiful. If you are a taste-bud experience amazing flavors while savoring diversity of styles and opinion.

In your Christian life, are you lacking spiritual power? Are you struggling with problems and finding it difficult to be obedient to God’s commands; to spend time in prayer and communion; is your prayer recited; is your worship ritualistic; is it difficult to share your faith? If you answer yes to any of the above then you need to be energized by The Holy Spirit.

Serpent wisdom needs to be tempered with dove harmlessness to keep us humble. To be harmless is to lack the power or desire to do harm; to be innocent of evil intention and motive, giving no provocation. Christian Author John McClain is convinced that doves, known as birds of peace, possessed calm temperaments coupled by their sweet disposition. I concur. Unlike serpents, people are normally not afraid of doves. Therefore, it is easier to get near to them when we possess dove traits. While the serpent will avoid and escape danger, the dove is innocent and will walk right into it. Jesus saw the need for us to have both traits, innocent to care and share, yet prudent enough not to be caged and become someone’s next meal.

For most of us Christians, this truth we believed; but sometimes it is not reflected in our attitude when we are called upon to serve. It is sad to say even in our worship life, the gladness that should characterize our praise seems damp, cold and lifeless. Our singing, our sharing and receiving of His word, our tolerance of others seems to be a mirrored reflection of our lives outside of Church time. Even in our secular activities, at times, we seemed not to be serving the Lord, and others, with gladness. Whatever we do or wherever we are, we are to do all things to honor God, serving with gladness.

As you determined to retrain your mind to know and embrace your new space, the new route is now easy to remember. It’s no longer a struggle. So is it in your Christian walk. As you allow God’s word to do its work of sanctification in transforming your mind, your actions will fall in place. Your new perspective will result in behavioral change. Your desires and longings for those old practices will be gradually changed as you embrace the new person you’ve become.

If you are in bad company and desire to break it off, limit your exposure to that company and submit yourself to positive influence of God’s instructions for your life. Seek friends who wants God’s best for your life and who provides positive encouragement on your journey of faith. Remember, we are easily corruptible creatures. With God’s help, do all you can to remain pure.

So, why would I want to continue wearing old clothes when new ones have been provided? Cost isn’t a factor. Having someone pick up my tab while I shop for new clothes is such a thrilling thought. I’m ready when you are!! Similarly, it’s the same gift we have been handed by Jesus Christ. We have been given the power to put away our old covering, everything evil, and to wear Christ’s robe of righteousness. Can you imagine dressing in Jesus’ clothes? There will be a definite change. The things I once do, I do them no more. My new clothes now befit the person I’ve become. The change is evident. I am a new creation.

Have you been ostracized, been treated unfairly, ridiculed, or suffered discrimination because of your belief in God and the teachings of the Bible? Don’t fight back. See the devil as the instigator at work through them. Find other ways to defend yourself, if you need to, but do pray for them. Genuinely ask God to change and save your persecutor(s). Whatever you do, whatever circumstances you’re faced with, let self be quiet and let God work through you to bless others.

Pharaoh’s rejection of God’s first warning was the first seed sown leading to his destruction and the destruction of many innocent others. It’s true! God is not mocked. Whatever you sow you will reap. The same is true for all living today. The seeds you sow today will germinate and bear fruits. Will the seeds you sow destroy you and your loved ones and all you’ve worked for or will they be a harvest that you are proud of? Remember: seeds that are sown will grow.