Accessorization: God's Expectations of Believers-Consequences for Disobedience

Accessorization: God's Expectations of Believers-Consequences for Disobedience

Accessorization offers a new perspective on how disobedience to God’s expectations can have life-altering consequences. This path highlights how neglecting the inner self, for the sake of adorning the outer self, can lead to life-altering consequences when believers prioritize the outer self over the inner core, which is more pleasing to God. This disobedience began in the garden of Eden when humanity followed the cunning voice of Satan and disobeyed God’s instruction, causing the curse on society and expulsion from the garden. The general purpose of this book is to help believers understand that God is waiting to hear from them. We are not living up to his expectations, which have been clearly outlined since life was breathed into man. As believers, we must understand that the inner self is what God seeks—compassion, love, meekness, kindness, obedience, and humility. These accessories are to alert believers to be aware of their own spiritual and emotional barometer. The book focuses on nurturing the inner self to enhance spiritual growth and development. Are there many believers like Paul, “No matter what you do to be right, trying to follow the will of God, evil is always present.” There is hope. "To accessorize something is 'to add elements that enhance its beauty and appeal.' Doris Bourgeois Turner has masterfully applied this concept to the spiritual realm, offering a profound and thought-provoking perspective. As I reflect on her insights, I am compelled to consider: How can I better accessorize my life in Christ? In her introduction, Turner poses a compelling question: 'Can we enhance our inner selves, our Christian character, and our lifestyles in ways that build up the body of Christ?' This inquiry is explored with remarkable depth, and a powerful response unfolds in Chapter 2. Yet, before reaching that point, Turner provides an unflinching reminder in Chapter 1 that disobedience to God carries life-altering consequences. From the Garden of Eden to the present day, its impact is evident. How, then, do we move forward? The answer lies in adorning ourselves with the word of God, embracing its truths, internalizing its wisdom, and allowing it to transform us from the inside out. Colossians 3:16-17 exhorts us to let the message of Christ dwell richly within us. To perpetuate this spiritual 'accessorization, ' we must be vigilant: guarding our speech, monitoring our spiritual health, cultivating Christlike attitudes, and ensuring that sin is not given a foothold in our hearts. This work by Doris Bourgeois Turner is an invaluable resource for every believer seeking to grow in grace and reflect the beauty of Christ in every area of life." --Virginia P. Hayes, President, Woman's Auxiliary, National Baptist Convention "This book reveals the truth about what life would be like when you disobey God's word. Navigating this life without being in the will of God will cause you not to partake in the many blessings God has stored up for you. Being in the educational system for the past ten and a half years, we reward good manners, good behaviors, and respect. This is similar to how God will reward his children when they are obedient to his will and his way. Doris A. Bourgeois Turner presents 'Consequences for Disobedience: Life-Altering' to the reader, offering a clear understanding of the instructions and expectations that must be followed in order to live a life pleasing to God. I love the term 'accessories for godly living, ' referring to having compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, all the recipes of living Christlike. This is truly an awesome book." --Felicia Moore Jones, Elementary School Secretary, Louisiana "Doris Bourgeois Turner has written an encouraging, inspiring, and engaging book on how believers should be obedient to God's expectations and the consequences for disobedience in their relationship with God. It is appropriate to accessorize the outer self, but God is more concerned about the believer's inner self. Furthermore, Turner encourages believers to put away negative behaviors, as noted in 1 Peter 2:1-3, such as malice, deceit, and envy. Instead, believers should crave 'the pure spiritual milk' of God's word to help them grow spiritually. Accessorization is about the believer's plight, encompassing the causes of separation from God's will and fellowship, which include loss of blessings, divine judgment, adverse outcomes, and spiritual death. She informs believers about the essentiality of taking the path of repentance and being accountable for their actions, which is crucial on their journey with God. Turner reminds us that sin earns the life-altering consequence of death. This will help believers grow spiritually by increasing their faith in their journey with God. This book is a must read." --Jean Marie Josey, Spiritual Advisor, New York "A powerful and insightful read that elucidates how the armor of God can empower and equip every believer, reg Doris Bourge