What an Amazing week my husband and I spent in Cancun
celebrating our 3rd year Anniversary and my birthday on a few weeks ago. It felt great to get away from the demands of
life and be able to spend quality time with each other. Life and Business can get in the way of that
so these getaways mean everything. We
stayed at an incredible resort and our trip was all inclusive so that means all
food and all beverages were included and accessible mostly all day and night. I know many of you have taken all-inclusive
trips so you know exactly how that works and how you can easily get sucked into
the atmosphere around you. In
particular, I am referencing spirits aka alcoholic beverages that are at your
disposal every way you turn. God delivered me from the use of alcohol and I am
grateful for that. It was necessary in
my case! I didn’t want a decision to have “fun” destroy my witness. The ambiance and view of the
beach was absolutely amazing and because we stayed at one of the all adult
resorts, nudity or topless at best was encouraged and several of the women took
full advantage of their tatas being on display all day.
dinner cruise hubby and I went on and our meal. It was delicious!
While the resort offered loads of amenities and
opportunities, as a believer; I had to stick to my daily spiritual practices. Even on my vacation, I had to be intentional
about representing who I profess and confess to serve. Yes, I was around a lot of people who I may never
ever see me again but I didn’t allow that to become an excuse for getting turnt
up the world’s way. While I took a break
from life demands, I didn’t however didn’t take a break from God. I know when some believers go on vacation,
everything stops including them getting up to pray, reading and studying their
word and devotion time etc. I have seen
where those who profess Christ act completely different when people they know
aren’t around to witness. To be honest,
that is hypocritical and I can speak to it because I was once there. Me personally, I can’t afford to take a break
when it comes to my God relationship and building the Kingdom. So instead of indulging in alcohol all day; I
made better use of my time.
I even met some believers who were devout
Christians who participated in activities I stayed clear of. They felt that because they were on vacation,
they were going to do what they pleased because they paid to do just that. But my thing is when does compromising your
walk with God and discrediting your witness become fun? I get it; my nose isn’t turned up and I am
intentional about not judging others but why do some believers feel that it’s
ok to engage in certain things because no one is watching? I can answer that
question also because that was me at some point in my walk. I was saved to the core but still indulged in
activities and behaviors that would have made others question my walk; commit sin or completely turn away from God. I ignored my accountability partners and did
things my own way. That week in
Cancun ignited me to love and live for God even the more. See, partying and drinking isn’t my
definition of fun and I don’t at all miss it at all. There is no spiritual benefit to that type of
life but only flesh gratification. The life I have chosen comes with much sacrifice
because I chose obedience and out of obedience, a lot of times I am cast out
even by church folks aka carnal Christians.
downtown Cancun. It is so beautiful there.
What I found to be true on my journey is when you really
make up in your mind to be completely sold out for Jesus; you will become a
lone ranger. Even family and friends
will shun you because of your choice.
This is an example of the sacrifice the bible speaks about as a believer. I made a conscious decision to live for God
all the way and for me there wasn’t a point of compromising or turning back. I
don’t apologize for being who I am in Christ and I certainly want ask for
permission even if it means losing those I love. I chose righteousness over religion and God
over being good. There were lots of
things and people I had to let go and it wasn’t easy. Even on vacation; I
could’ve engaged into somethings that weren’t necessarily a sin but could have
definitely destroy or tarnish my witness.
The only way I am able to stay grounded is by making a choice every day
to follow Christ and for my flesh to die.
our cruise departed and roamed these waters....it was a magnificent night
As for me, there are too many people God has assigned to me
for me to be in this thing halfway. I
dare not confuse or corrupt God’s people for the sake of fun. I know what my assignment aka job is in the
Kingdom and I take it serious. God
called me to help rescue the lost and that does include carnal minded
Christians. The same way I take my
secular job serious; I do my spiritual job.
The word tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:33 to not be deceived; bad company
ruins good morals (ESV).
Three
questions I encourage you to ask yourself anytime you are about to indulge in
something and it maybe questionable. 1.
Is this a true representation of me, my true and authentic self? 2. Is this a true representation of my
leaders/ministry and 3. Is this a true representation of Christ? I guarantee is
you ask yourself those 3 simple questions; you will choose right even when your
flesh wants to choose wrong. I encourage
you to complete a self-assessment starting today. As a rescuer; sometimes people don’t
understand the magnitude of the problem they have gotten themselves in or the
danger they are headed toward, and it is my job to help stare these people back
to safety in God. I know that I won’t
reach everyone but Lord knows every opportunity I get; I will share Jesus with
the masses. God didn’t want to just save
you; He wanted to rescue you!
If you are at crossroad in your walk and find yourself
compromising for the sake of fun but you desperately want your life to
represent Christ, please don’t hesitate to email us at jillandtreal@detourmovement.com. More than giving you information, we are
invested in your transformation. We are here to serve you!
Committed to serving you,
Treal of Jill and Treal