Grave Clothes

Oftentimes someone will pray to God and ask Him to “use us”, “bless me” or “be glorified through our lives”. There is nothing wrong with that at all, but we must realize that we have a part to play in that. God cannot bless mess. God will not use someone who isn’t stable or is only a “part-time Christian”. God surely can’t use someone who is double-minded. Wanting Him to use us but then the next day we want to do our own thing. How can God get glory from someone who uses the mic for their own elevation and popularity? Only when we choose to humble ourselves and surrender, can He have His divine will.

Many of us are actual believers, but the problem is that many do not understand what God expects from us. So many say “I accepted Jesus as my Lord and personal savior”. That does not mean you’re set and have nothing to do. By you proclaiming that, you say that “I no longer rule my life, I give Jesus complete control over my mind, body and soul.” If there is no change in our lifestyles, we are only fooling ourselves. On the day of Pentecost, Peter stood up and preached salvation to the onlookers, spectators and mockers. When they asked what should they do, the first thing Peter said was “Repent”, see Acts 2:38.

Repent: to think differently, reconsider (in other words, change direction) This means repentance is an action. You must produce different results. Not just saying “I’m saved”, but actually living like Jesus. If you read John 11, you will see the story of Lazarus’ death and resurrection. Many only preach that Christ is resurrection from here. “Lazarus, come forth”. Jesus said that and Lazarus came out of the grave, but when he came out he was still bound. All of his stink, grave clothes was still binding him. He must have came out hopping or something because he was bound, and in those days you were wrapped up like a mummy. Just because God saved us and redeemed us from sin, doesn’t mean our old tendencies are gone. We are new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), but we still have an old nature that we must get rid of (Colossians 3:8). God won’t do it for us. We have to daily deny ourselves and choose Christ in every decision (Luke 9:23).

And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. (John 11:44) -Jesus gave the people a task: loose Lazarus. Every Christian must help loose one another from their mess. -It is great to help someone out of their mess or pray with someone until they are set free, but you cannot just leave them that way. Demons come back with more spirits to kill people who haven’t replaced the vacancy with more of God, see Matthew 12:43-45. -A young minister from my church, Kyle Green, mentioned this to me: A mother doesn’t just give birth to a child and leave him/her on their own (no good/responsible mother at least). They nurture the baby until they are grown or can handle themselves. That’s why so many in churches tend to backslide. They get a touch from God, but not many come and help support and raise them.

What are some of our grave clothes: Envy Greed Fornication/Adultery Selfishness Anger Wrath Malice Blasphemy Filthy communication The bible said to LAY THESE ASIDE! -Hebrews 12:1 -Colossians 3:8 -1 John 5:21 (idols: whatever you give more time to than God) -Ephesians 5:3-4

It is easy to point out people’s sin when they are so visible like homosexuality for example. However, that is not the only sin. God is not into “big sin” and “little sin”. We must understand that God’s standard is holiness (Hebrews 12:14). We cannot keep comparing ourselves to people. We have to walk like Jesus did. We are to help others and not put them down. Jesus didn’t die for us to attend church, he wants to have a relationship with us. And there will be no relationship with Christ and sin simultaneously, we must choose one or the other. And just in case you don’t know which to choose, I’d say Jesus. Every sin we do may seem fun, because we are used to it, but Jesus is the only thing that can satisfy the hunger/thirst in our souls (John 4:14; 6:35).

I pray that we will honestly examine ourselves and see what needs to be adjusted, because it isn’t as though any of us are flawless. It will be hard to change, because we are conditioned of doing things one way. We just have to understand even though we may like a thing, that doesn’t mean it is pleasing to God. Change is difficult, but God wants us to be renewed and transformed (Romans 12:1-2). Let us daily strip away from the things that trip us up and make us fall into sin or things that just simply take our eyes off Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-3).

God will only use us when we are dead. Dead to our carnal desires and sin. We must be alive to righteousness. All to Jesus, let us surrender.

God bless, Tovares Grey

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