Last month, we talked about mentioning God both deliberately and casually in conversation from Isaiah 12:4 (If you missed it, you can read the devotional here or see the photo for reference).
I hadn't planned on saying anything more on the topic, but then, God wasn't finished.
Imagine my surprise when I reach Isaiah 48 and discovered that exact phrase again, but in a completely different context.
Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the Lord, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness. Is. 48:1
Israel talked about God, but they did so to God's detriment. Their lives were a mess (they worshiped idols), and they spoke heresy (they tried to claim the idols performed the wondrous works of God). But in the same breath, they claimed they were God's holy city! This is not mentioning God in truth or righteousness.
The world looked on Israel (and by extension God) in disgust. Israel made the name of God to stink.
It's not enough to just talk about God. You are His ambassador. Your life must match your words (people really will notice).
Does your life inspire the world to know God, or make them want to flee?
But then perhaps, you think you've got your life all sorted. It's spotless, yet you teach the commandments of man as the commandments of God.
You are an ambassador for God. Don't misrepresent Him.
Speak the truth about God. You'll know the truth by rightly dividing His word and talking with God. You can't talk accurately about Someone you don't know personally and intimately.
What we say and do ought to bring people to God, not drive them away.
Are you in the service of the King by mentioning Him or doing Him a disservice?
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