We take so much for granted in this modern age that we live in. With the touch of a button we can be at the other side of the world, exploring deserts, mountains and forests, immersing ourselves in the culture and customs of other lands… maybe not in person, but the eye gate can still be satisfied. We can look out and see and explore our world and how it affects us; but how are we affecting that world?
I’m sure there are Bible studies, pod casts, devotional books, seminars, webinars, websites and even at least one movie I can think of about who we are in and through Christ. It seems like, at this point, we should have a pretty good handle on that.
We, as Christ followers, have heard a lot over the past few years about “who we are in Christ.” But have we really thought very much about “Who we are for Christ?”
The Bible tells us in Colossians 3:12-13, who we should be for Christ. God chose us to be part of His family When we choose to accept His invitation. He loves us and makes us holy in His eyes. What He asks of us is to behave in a manner that would honor Him. He asks that our behavior reflect mercy, kindness, humbleness, humility. He desires that we truly try to understand one another.
God also desires that we are patient and forgiving with each other. We should always look at situations with the view of how Christ forgave us. We should forgive in the same manner. We should be a living, walking, talking example to the world of what Christ looks like. That is what we should be for Christ.
The challenge of this passage for us could be simply to live our lives as Christ did. Think about the ways that Christ interacted with people. How did He treat them? What were the characteristics of His relationships with others? He truly represented Who He was at all times.
How can we apply this to our lives? Treat people with courtesy, kindness, compassion. Every day, in every situation attempt to behave in a manner that will reflect the light of Christ that resides within us. Don’t act one way on Sunday and then become a different person the rest of the week.
What does this mean to my faith? It strengthens my faith when God’s Word tells me that God chose me. He loves me and has made me holy in His eyes, I have the forgiveness of Christ. I also have every confidence that He will help me know the things I should do in every situation to be able to show the world who I am for Christ.
I thank You and praise You Lord for teaching me through Your Word how to treat others. I ask that You will always be with me and help me through difficult situations. Help me to give grace to others just as You give grace to me every day. Help others see You through my life.
~~~~~~~
“12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” Colossians 3:12-13 (KJV)
“According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.” Ephesians 1:4 (KJV)
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;” Romans 12:10 (KJV)
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (KJV)
_____________
I feel that since God has given me the gift of this platform, I must always tell you about Him.
What is your relationship to the all-knowing God of the universe? Do you know Jesus? Do you know the peace that can come only from an intimate relationship with Him? You can know Him. Jesus Christ, God’s Son, born into human flesh, sinless, crucified and giving His life freely, buried, arisen on the third day, will come into your life and change the outcome of your eternity. You just have to be willing to believe and accept His truth.
Here is an excellent website that can give you additional information about making your decision for Jesus Christ! PeaceWithGod.net
————————
Restricted Vision, Unburdened Sight 