Before taking financial advice from someone, check out their own record of financial successes. Before going to a counselor, determine if their own lives exhibit stability and happiness. Before we go to an athletic trainer, we make observations about their personal fitness. Anyone claiming to be an expert, should have lives that are examples of personal successes in their field of expertise.
Ephesians 2:7 says, “And so God can always point to us as examples of the incredible wealth of his favor and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us through Christ Jesus.” God says that the lives of those who believe in Jesus Christ are examples of His great grace and kindness. When we observe the lives of Christians, we don’t see perfection, but we do see God’s blessings given to them. All who believe on Jesus are made new creations by God. That means that they now have God’s Spirit inside to empower them to think and behave differently. The new believer begins to consider God’s will before making decisions. He begins to act based upon God’s truth rather than base instinct. He has a new love for God and for other people.
While Christians are not perfect, they are growing in righteous thinking and acting. The power and mercy of God is evident in their lives as they yield to His love and mercy.
Reluctant Retiree 