How easy it is to let day after day slip by without a word of witness passing our lips–at least a Christian witness.
Whether the focus is on the sales clerk or the pastor, it is much easier to complain about the shortcomings of others than to be a light bearer of He who lives within us. It is simpler to rationalize that a good God would not condemn the “good” people around us. As for the others, the nasty neighbor or the murderer, do they not deserve God’s judgment?
We forget Romans 3:23 says, “For ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;…” or Romans 6:23 which says, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Each one of us, no matter how moral or how “nice” we behave, is going to a Christ-less eternity without Jesus. Oh, we have our theology down pat. Unfortunately, our words and actions often reveal how far short they are from what we claim to believe and practice.
Do I truly believe my neighbor, my friend, my co-worker will not be with me in Heaven unless they accept Jesus as Lord and Savior? Do I let fear keep my voice silent? Or, do I believe Jesus meant what He said, and trust Him enough to share my faith–even through fear or embarrassment?
Does my faith shine forth in the way I conduct myself, my words, entertainment, habits, choices and lifestyle? Do I believe God means what He says in His Word and care enough to share God’s message of salvation and hope in Christ with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers?
Help me, Lord, do more than claim to believe Your Word. Help me to understand knowing You is the most important thing. Help me lay aside my fear and excuses and share You with those around me. Amen.
And He said unto them, Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned.
–Mark 16:15-16
By Carolyn R Scheidies
From Listen! Who Me?-