Speaking truth is a trait of every Christian, and a very important one. The Apostle Paul reminds us that the foundation of truth is what joins us together to the body of Christ.

To be fruitful witnesses and representatives of Christ, we are obligated to put to death our old self, which is the flesh-centered, selfish way of thinking and acting. Instead, we must put on the new self, living holy lives that honor and glorify God.

Seeking God's will should be the focus of our prayers and thoughts, as the temptation to seek after our own will is the root of all temptations. Satan tempts us to make everything about ourselves because then we are no longer unified with the body of Christ in serving God's will.

Jesus and all the NT authors cautioned us against being deceived by false teachers and doctrines. We must unify as a body of believers under the truth of God's Word and the Holy Spirit's interpretation of it.

The Lord gave us the gift of the apostles and prophets, and now sends godly evangelists, pastors, and teachers for the equipping of the saints for the work of service and the building up of the body of Christ.

If it were not for Christ's humility in choosing to descend from heaven, every one of us would be utterly lost to our sin for all eternity.

Christ's very purpose in coming to earth was to be the final once-for-all sacrifice for sins. What better place for Christ to be born than where all the sacrificial sheep were kept, and under the watch of the elite, priestly shepherds who cared for this reserved flock.

Believers are called to be united in our one faith and not pining for position, authority, or rule over one another. We are to serve one another in humility and impartiality, and to live in a manner worthy of our calling.

Christians are called to be different; we must be different! If the world cannot tell us apart from itself, we should seriously question the soundness of our faith and belief in Christ who has sanctified us in His blood.

Would we cheerfully give up all we had to follow Christ? Perhaps we, like the rich young man in Mark 10, might grieve the loss of possessions, yet still obey, because of Christ's incredible power to save us.