Profession vs Practice

November 12 Profession vs. Practice
They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. —Titus 1: 16
A lot of people think that because they say, “Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep,” then that means they know God. But that is a false sense of security if you are not living the way you should be. As Jesus said, “Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6: 46).
Which do you think God is most interested in—profession or practice? John the Baptist said, “Bear fruits worthy of repentance” (Luke 3: 8). In other words, “Let your life be consistent with your words.”
**It is one thing to know of God, and quite another thing to know God.
To say that you believe in God is not enough; you must follow your words with a life that is consistent with God. Words are meaningless. You can say anything at all. But how are you living? Paul encourages us to examine ourselves, for he said, “If we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged” (1 Corinthians 11: 31). Is it possible that you are one of those who Paul was speaking about—those who are in the church and who profess to know God, but who actually deny Him by their works? Have you allowed other gods to supersede your love for Him? Is He really first in your life? Don’t just profess your faith—practice it as well.
Lord, show me if in my work I am denying You. Show me if there is an inconsistency between my profession and my practice. Help me, Lord, to know and serve You in truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.