242. Still Slapping God in the Face?

“Back when I was first beginning a more serious walk with God,” Stan began, “the fellow who was my spiritual mentor asked me if I was still slapping God in the face.”

“Wow,” I responded.  “That is quite a question.  How did you react to that?”

“The same way you just did, with a ‘Wow’.  I asked him to explain his question.”

Continuing, Stan said, “What we went on to talk about was that the focus was and is to be on how I live my life for God in thanksgiving for all He has done and does for me.”

“If I am living my life in such a way that does not display thanksgiving for God’s marvelous grace, it is just like slapping Him in the face.”

“Why would you purposefully slap God in the face?” I asked.

“Same old story of wanting to do what I want regardless of what God has done and continues to do each day,” Stan replied.  “Failure to deny self, failure to take up my cross, and failure to follow Him.”

“What do you do when you realize you have slapped God in the face?” I asked.

“Confess and repent.”

“What does God do when you slap Him in the face?” I then asked.

“He turns the other cheek,” Stan replied, “with His unlimited grace and mercy.”

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“Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.  Philippians 1:27.

Prayer:  Lord, please forgive me for all of the times I have, in essence, slapped you in the face by living my life in ways that are contrary to your will for me.  You know how difficult it is for me to live my life in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.  I need and I ask for all of the help you can and will provide in denying self, taking up the cross you have for me, and following you wherever you want to lead.  I want only to conduct myself in a manner worthy of the gospel.  You want the same thing.  Help me to work with you to get it done.  Thank you I can and do bring all of these prayers before you in the name of Jesus.  Amen.