What Message Do We Have Inside Us So Big That It Spills Over Into the World?
Good Morning Friends,
Last night my mother died. It was Ash Wednesday. And even in death she was a witness to the spirit of Christ’s love in her, becoming more like Him… gracious, forgiving, long-suffering and righteous. It spilled over into our lives. She was purposeful and peaceful. As I think about her, I think she was still teaching even as she was dying… helping us to think about our witness…what others are hearing and seeing in us…prompting us to ask What Message Do We Have Inside Us So Big That It Spills Over Into the World?
Scripture:
16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 (NRSV)
11Now when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and proclaim his message in their cities.2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah* was doing, he sent word by his* disciples 3and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ 4Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers* are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me.’
Matthew 11:1-6 (NRSV)
Message: People are not interested in committing their lives to Christ unless they observe an attractive and consistent pattern of living in the Christians they know. Christians are to be good news before they share the good news. When we are the silent work of influence and the visible manifestation of the light of an idea, we can witness the power of God in people’s lives and our own. Here light removes darkness, reveals danger and shows a path. We are to let our light shine, but we are to keep our focus on what God is doing. This can help us develop a contagious Christian character remembering that Jesus is the light even in death. Jesus is the salt. So the next time you face that point of tension, remember that John the Baptist even had questions about Jesus. Remember that sometimes God uses us to help redeem people and situations in the most unassuming way. Realize that we are to listen. In the presence of the Comforter we do not have to ask leading questions. We just have to acknowledge God’s presence.
Pray that the way we conduct our daily lives draws people toward experiencing God through a relationship with Jesus. Pray that our attitudes and actions be salt and light in just the right measure. Pray we draw lost people toward Christ with a sparkle of joy. Pray we be willing to sacrifice to live out our faith. Pray we are compassionate and kind. Pray we are consistent and real. Pray we are vulnerable and lack pretense. Pray our sprit thrives and grows as we live by convictions and priorities and not just by convenience, pleasure and gain. Pray His light shines in us. Pray we realize that transformation requires a witness. Pray we have a story worth telling about family and friends and faith.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 