“I have been crucified with Christ. And it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2: 20.

Having paid the price of sin at the cross by objectively dying to it in Jesus, the old me has expired, replaced by the divine life of God. As a new person born into the divine life, but remaining in flesh, I receive sustenance from believing in the One who lovingly redeemed me.

“For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding.” 2 Corinthians 10: 12.

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5: 25, 26.

Watching a Christian singing award show, it occurred to me that I wouldn’t be interested in watching again. I may as well have been watching a worldly show.

The dancing was secular in terms of movements and attitude. Emphasized were sexual gyrations of hips and thuggish body language so commonly seen among street rappers.

But more than that was the spirit behind the whole affair. It just didn’t seem right. Songs supposedly composed and sang for the glory of God were pitted against each other for personal praise and a prize.

Wouldn’t it be better if these popular songs were simply sung in a venue in which it isn’t suggested that one is better than the other? In a venue that wouldn’t breed fleshly jealousy and boastful pride?

It’s a shame that the world’s customs and philosophies have creeped into and infiltrated the church.

“Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” Matthew 7: 6.

There are souls who, by their fruit, are entrenched in the corruption of human nature. Celebrities Bill Maher and Janeane Garofalo come to mind as examples. Humanism is their god; they deny the existence of the true One. In this state of mind, they are comfortable within its confines, sensing no need and  having no desire to leave it.

The one thing that seems to offend their peace of mind more than anything else is the advancement of the gospel. Their words spewed against it often reek of having come from a cesspool of a heart.

For the believer to attempt to engage and prolong them in salvation talk is to feed their frenzy. It is fruitless. For them to talk to a believer about such matters is the opportunity to delightfully contend and ridicule.

But of course, such people are not to hamper or impede our efforts. We recognize them and move on. We approach the next soul, no matter the depth of their sin, for they may be willing to receive the pearls of truth.