Even though we don't want people looking at us, but the life and message we are carrying, still people look at us. (see yesterday's post) We still have to do our best to become the people God wants us to become. Paul said it this way in the Message,
"Well, now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped. Don’t put it off; don’t frustrate God’s work by showing up late, throwing a question mark over everything we’re doing. Our work as God’s servants gets validated—or not—in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly … in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we’re beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we’re telling the truth, and when God’s showing his power; when we’re doing our best setting things right; when we’re praised, and when we’re blamed; slandered, and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all." 2 Cor 6:3-10, The Messgae)
Okay, so the message is difficult. We have a great responsibility as Christians. We carry a precious message that can get misinterpreted very easily as people look at our lives. If we say one thing and do another, we may turn people off to the saving grace of God. And that is not a part of God's greater plan.
God's purpose for us all is to live disciplined lives, one step-at-a-time lives that open us up to the freedom God gives, but not using that freedom to live selfishly. Simply put, God wants us to live like we're in glass houses, showing the world the freedom of God, the grace of God, the beauty of a God-life.
How do we do that? Don't be ashamed of who you have been, who you are or who you are becoming. Paul told the Corinthians, "Open up your lives. Live openly and expansively." That means being ready to reveal your faith, your life, your heart to anyone who looks your way. It means opening up the blinds and the curtains of your life and let the Son shine in and your life shine out.
Remember that old Sunday School song, O let the sun shine in, face it with a grin, open up your heart and let the Son shine in...
But do it so the world can see, too!
Peace ><>
pc
2 comments:
Standing true to who I am, allowing His light to reflect from, thru and to me.
Glass houses can feel like risky places to live but with God's love we can do all things. Open up the curtains I want the Son-shine daily from my place!
Great site lots of usefull infomation here.
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