Is morning breath okay all day?
2 Peter 3:11,13 & 14 (AMP)
Since all these things are thus in the process of being dissolved, what kind of person ought [each of] you to be [in the meanwhile] in consecrated and holy behavior and devout and godly qualities,
But we look for new heavens and a new earth according to His promise, in which righteousness (uprightness, freedom from sin, and right standing with God) is to abide.
So, beloved, since you are expecting these things, be eager to be found by Him [at His coming] without spot or blemish and at peace [in serene confidence, free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts].
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Again, is morning breath okay all day? I know you wonder what my question has to do with the scripture reference. Here’s the thing, no one likes to be taken advantage of. Have you ever REALLY loved someone, I mean REALLY LOVED someone and had them totally take advantage of the fact that you would move Heaven and Earth for them? Doesn’t it hurt to love someone so much, treat them so well and then see them utilize your love, and dismiss your efforts and loyalty in an effort to pursue and please someone else, who does not and cannot love them nearly as much?
All of us have morning breath; I get it. But on the day a married couple is able to lounge with one another, whispering sweet nothings to each other all day, wouldn’t you AT LEAST expect your beloved to swish around a little mouthwash…..just for YOUR comfort and ease? Just because my husband is supposed to love me beyond my surface doesn’t mean I should never dress up for him, wear the color he loves to see me in, the dress he adores me in and the perfume that drives him crazy (good crazy). Just because your wife is supposed to love you unconditionally doesn’t mean you should never bathe, shave or spend quality time with her. These are things we do whether we feel like it or not- simply because we want to be considerate of the desires of our counterparts. We want to show them that we love them and don’t take their presence in our lives for granted. At least that is what a thoughtful person does.
Why is it then, that we take advantage of the patience, grace, mercy and long-suffering of a HOLY God? We want the assurance of salvation and the perks and benefits of Christianity, but too often we don’t want it to cost us any comfort. A transformed mind, a reformed heart and adjusted behavior pleases Him, but since we know He is forgiving, we’d just rather bend only to the extent that isn’t uncomfortable. Scripture is plain, but we’d rather rely on excuses like, “he knows my heart”, “that behavior is natural” or the famous “we’re under grace and not the law”. We abhor murderers, but make excuses for lying and fornicating when sin is sin in His eyes. ALL sin is wicked and offensive to Him. Murdering in the streets comes as easy to some as sexing outside of marriage does for others.
You can’t really believe there should be no change- no difference in disposition and behavior from that of a non-believer. It isn’t enough to just believe IN God. Scripture is clear that demons believe AND tremble (in fearful reverence), so believing in Him isn’t so impressive. Do you love Him enough and consider Him enough to present yourself a living sacrifice which scripture states is your REASONABLE service. It isn’t even above and beyond. It’s just the least you can do for ALL He has done.
Do you love Him enough to make an effort BEYOND what is comfortable or comes naturally? He gives us supernatural ability to exceed what comes naturally you know.
Are you willing to be your best for THE BEST or will you only give Him morning breath?