by David Brenneman
They will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God. 1 PETER 2:12 NLT
I'll never forget the amazing statement heard from a young man as we talked about his upcoming mission trip- He had some of the normal anxieties that usually accompany such an endeavor, but he also had a tremendous amount of enthusiasm. And as he prayed, his words caught my attention: "Lord, I pray that those who meet
me during my stay also encounter You." That struck me in a profound manner. He wanted the contact between him and others to be a genuine encounter with the person of Christ Himself.
Frankly, that is a goal for which all believers should strive. Indeed, I wonder what would happen if each of us adopted that same mindset. How would our days be different if each morning we asked Jesus to so permeate our words and deeds that others would sense the reality of His presence with us? How would it
transform our families, coworkers, friends, acquaintances, and even
our enemies? It would certainly change the world.
So consider: do others see Jesus in you? People desperately
need His salvation. Don't keep Him a secret. Allow Him to work
through you so others can witness His awesome presence and know
Him as well.
Jesus, may anyone who encounters me find You and believe in Your name. Amen.
- Trusting God with Today, Dr. Charles Stanley
This particular exerpt from his book comes nearly a month after I began the new job that God gave me.
Several times during these nearly 4 weeks I was and am reminded of a friend from a church plant in Mt. Sterling, Ohio who almost always included in his prayers "Empty me of me and let me be filled with more of you".
It matters not if it's the online world or the physical world all Believers are where they are to represent Christ first and foremost. THEN they are to be whatever role it is that they are there for. Some have taken to talking about it, as an example of my case, that I am an Ambassador of Christ Jesus cleverly disguised as a Manufacturing Repair Technician.
My Dear Reader there's no hiding behind phone, tablet or computer screens when we interact with the online world. We still represent Christ first.
When we are in our homes or out among people we represent Christ first.
We always ought to stop and consider just how we are being seen by others. Are they seeing Jesus in us or are they merely seeing us?
Which is more important towards fulfilling the call of God in Christ Jesus for each of us?
Are they going to meet Jesus when they meet us or are they not going to?
Yes we're going to run into unsavory types in both places...and the temptation is going to be there to not think before speaking or doing.
It's a great thing to remind ourselves of to be sure of our salvation then to be sure that people see our Savior in each of us before they see us.
Empty me of me and fill me with more of you!
If Dr. Charles Stanley could be so impressed that he added such an entry to his book...I take that as something seriously worth noting.
Our successes should never come at the expense of people finding Jesus was among them.
Before you type out something online.
Before you speak a word.
Before you make any gesture.
Stop and see if you will be displaying Christ in you or if it will be you.
All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.
New American Standard Bible
(C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by the Lockman Foundation.
A corporation not for profit.
La Habra, CA All rights reserved
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