You are a reflection of God

"... Because God made humans in his image reflecting God's very nature.  You're here to bear fruit, reproduce, lavish life on the earth, live bountifully!" Genesis 9, The Message, Pg. 29

You are a reflection of God!  Therefore, as His reflection, live to bear fruit, reproduce, live life generously and bountifully.

 

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Perfection is God, not human!

"And He did not need anyone to bear witness concerning man [needed no evidence from anyone about men], for He Himself knew what was in human nature.  [He could read men's hearts.] John 2:25 AMP

God knows us, and He knows that we are not perfect, which means we can stop trying so darn hard to be.  Perfection is God, not human, and as humans, we will always fall short.  Some of us, myself included, practically kill ourselves trying to be perfect, and all we are doing is using precious energy, frustrating our lives, and overwhelming our hearts - essentially, wasting precious time. All God  wants from us is our undying love and faith in Him and to give Him our imperfect selves; and, in turn, He will turn us more and more into His perfect likeness.  

So, trust in God to perfect you; do the best you can in all situations, and cut yourself some slack when you fall short.  Life is too short, God loves you too much, and there is nothing you can do that is going to allow you to be the perfect human.  As a matter of fact, be honored when you fall short, because if your faith is true, and you hand your imperfection over to Him, you can be witness to some amazing miracles that will soon come to pass in your life ... and, boy-oh-boy, His miracles are not something we ever want to miss!!

Be on guard!

"Be on guard against men [whose way or nature is to act in opposition to God]..." Matthew 10:17 AMP

Notice those whom you associate often with. What are their words and actions like?  Do they speak words of life to those around them (loving, gentle, patient, kind, helpful, positive, etc.), or do they speak words of death (negative, critical, harsh, offensive, repulsive, rude, etc)?  If you are around someone long enough, you should be able to pick up on signs. As well, God will give you warning signs of those whom you should keep your [heart and soul] distance if you ask Him. However, as a child of God and one called to be a light in a dark world, be careful not to alienate anyone because you think they are evil. Instead, make a point to speak words of life around them, and pray that they, too, will follow suit, and begin to hold themselves accountable for words and actions they shouldn't say or do.  BE a living example for them.  

My friend, you and I are called to make a difference in this world.  Even if it is to help only one person come to Christ in our entire lifetime, then that is what we should do.  Constantly ask yourself what your actions and words are like to those around you.  If they are anything less than God-approved, repent and change them.  This world needs us! God needs us to help change this world.  He wants every single person to end up in Heaven, and it is our duty to help make that happen.  So, keep your heart guarded at all times, but, always be forgiving and merciful.  Make a commitment to be a life changer for God!  Not only will you change the lives of others, you will notice blessed changes in your life - one right after the other, thanks be to our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.