Most people who do not know God often do not have fine qualities. Love is missing from their foundation and their actions are often characterized by a lack of love. On the contrary - some of them even hate those who love and want to bring them down.
Others look at Christians through a magnifying glass and have a lot to say as soon as they see a Christian doing something wrong. Just look at churches fighting with one another. One says this and the other that and everybody else enjoys seeing churches attacking each other.
We must realize we may be one of the few routes for an unbeliever to reach God. When we start complaining and arguing, we quickly cut off that route. That is why Paul talked straight to these new Christians (and us): 14Do everything readily and cheerfully-no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! 15Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God.
As soon as we start fighting with one another, we immediately take away the privilege to work with others. We have an enormous responsibility to make sure that the way we talk to one another, the way we give space to one another and live in peace, attract others, rather than push them away.
I say again, we may be one of the few routes for the people around us to reach Jesus: 16Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I'll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns.
Man, really. The world out there doesn't look good. For many it is pitch-dark. A night without any lights on their roads. They're looking for peace in all the wrong places. They crash into one another. They fall and trample one another simply because they can't see. Simply because they do not have the Light.
Even though it doesn't look like it, they long for the Light (everyone is born with a desire and longing for God). They look for answers to their unanswered questions. And even they stand with rocks in their hands to throw at us. Even though they try to catch us out when we ourselves miss a few steps, they're actually searching for the light. They are tired of the world that keeps them lumbering about in the dark. They're looking for a place to rest.
You and I are called to shine God's light right where we are. God's children often wonder what their calling is. We often want to go to a place where we can do God's will, but do you know that God has put you where you are now? Yes, some people are called to shine his light in distant places, but you, God has put you right there where you are now.
That is a great responsibility. You may be the only and last person who has a chance to lead your friend, family member, colleague, employee or even a stranger to the Eternal Light. Let's put away our shyness. Let's get strength from our Saviour and switch on the lights in the dark world. Many will be saved and the world will look different.
Bible Reading
Philippians 2:12-17
Reflection
Are you still complaining and arguing?
Is your light shining?
To whom must you bring the Light?
Prayer
Our Father, thank you that the light was switched on for me. Thank you that I'm no longer stumbling around in the dark. But I do know that I have to shine your light for others from sheer gratitude. I admit that I'm shy and sometimes afraid. I admit that I would rather hide than to shine your light. Please help me, Lord, not to be afraid and not to hide. Please give me a heart for people in the dark. Amen
For more information go to http://www.crossroad247.com
By Gerjo Ben Van Der Merwe
Article Source: Lights on
Others look at Christians through a magnifying glass and have a lot to say as soon as they see a Christian doing something wrong. Just look at churches fighting with one another. One says this and the other that and everybody else enjoys seeing churches attacking each other.
We must realize we may be one of the few routes for an unbeliever to reach God. When we start complaining and arguing, we quickly cut off that route. That is why Paul talked straight to these new Christians (and us): 14Do everything readily and cheerfully-no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! 15Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God.
As soon as we start fighting with one another, we immediately take away the privilege to work with others. We have an enormous responsibility to make sure that the way we talk to one another, the way we give space to one another and live in peace, attract others, rather than push them away.
I say again, we may be one of the few routes for the people around us to reach Jesus: 16Carry the light-giving Message into the night so I'll have good cause to be proud of you on the day that Christ returns.
Man, really. The world out there doesn't look good. For many it is pitch-dark. A night without any lights on their roads. They're looking for peace in all the wrong places. They crash into one another. They fall and trample one another simply because they can't see. Simply because they do not have the Light.
Even though it doesn't look like it, they long for the Light (everyone is born with a desire and longing for God). They look for answers to their unanswered questions. And even they stand with rocks in their hands to throw at us. Even though they try to catch us out when we ourselves miss a few steps, they're actually searching for the light. They are tired of the world that keeps them lumbering about in the dark. They're looking for a place to rest.
You and I are called to shine God's light right where we are. God's children often wonder what their calling is. We often want to go to a place where we can do God's will, but do you know that God has put you where you are now? Yes, some people are called to shine his light in distant places, but you, God has put you right there where you are now.
That is a great responsibility. You may be the only and last person who has a chance to lead your friend, family member, colleague, employee or even a stranger to the Eternal Light. Let's put away our shyness. Let's get strength from our Saviour and switch on the lights in the dark world. Many will be saved and the world will look different.
Bible Reading
Philippians 2:12-17
Reflection
Are you still complaining and arguing?
Is your light shining?
To whom must you bring the Light?
Prayer
Our Father, thank you that the light was switched on for me. Thank you that I'm no longer stumbling around in the dark. But I do know that I have to shine your light for others from sheer gratitude. I admit that I'm shy and sometimes afraid. I admit that I would rather hide than to shine your light. Please help me, Lord, not to be afraid and not to hide. Please give me a heart for people in the dark. Amen
For more information go to http://www.crossroad247.com
By Gerjo Ben Van Der Merwe
Article Source: Lights on
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