Been thinking a lot lately about our attitudes and how they affect others. Did you ever think that how you respond to circumstances that come your way, may make the difference in someone coming to know Christ or not? So often it seems that I forget that I may very well be the only Jesus someone will encounter. They may base their whole idea of Christianity on what they see in my life! WOW!! I am to be growing each day to be more like Christ. The whole goal is that my life become a mirror of Jesus. So that got me to thinking...
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When Jesus stepped from the portals of heaven into a manger in Bethlehem, do you think there were any complaints lodged with the innkeeper about the lack of a good heating or air ventilation system in the barn? What about when they wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in the manger, do you think the innkeeper heard about the musty odor and smell of hay or the roughness of the clothes? What about later as he ministered, do you think he complained about the rolls and fish not being cooked the way his mother cooked them back home? Do you think he ever griped because the coffee wasn't as hot as he preferred it? Have you ever been out with someone at a restaurant and they griped and complained about everything and basically just gave the waitress total grief and then as you were getting ready to leave, along with the less than normal amount of tip, they laid a tract down with their church's name on it? OUCH!! I have thought to myself, if I was that waitress, I would want to run as far away from that church as I could get! Yet, I know that I am guilty of the same kind of things. How often have I thought to myself, "well I have rights! I'm not letting them walk all over me! I paid good money for that!"
Look at what Jesus said in Luke 22:24-27, And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve. For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? Is not he that sitteth at meat? But I am among you as he that serveth.
Here is the King of Glory, worthy of all praise and honor, washing the dirty feet of his disciples! He wasn't complaining because none of them had offered to wash his feet. He wasn't saying how awful the place was because they didn't even supply help to make sure everyone had clean feet before they came to recline at dinner. I mean you would have thought it was the least that they could have done, knowing that Jesus was using their upper room! What was the matter with them, anyway? What was wrong with the disciples that they were sitting there with the Master, but more concerned about their place and honor than whether or not he was comfortable?
Can you imagine how the disciples must of felt when Jesus got up and took off his outer robe, and put on a towel like a humble servant and began to wash their feet? Peter's response can give you a good clue...But, Jesus didn't berate them for not serving him. He simply used the time to teach by example.
You know when we gripe and complain about the service or actions of others, we are not giving God the glory...We are dulling the mirror, so that it can't reflect to others the King of Kings!
Paul wrote in Colossians 4:4-6, That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace (my note here...that means let my speech be gracious, a result of the divine influence on my heart and its reflection in my life; Let it be a benefit or gift to others; Let it be pleasurable and thanks worthy!) seasoned with salt, that you may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Then Peter writes in 1 Peter 3:8-11, Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful(tenderhearted), be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
Paul wrote in Titus 3:1-2, Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
Oh that I would have that "meek(mild, gentle, humble) and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price."(1Peter 3:4) I've been called to share Christ through my life. Not just my words. Oh, I believe that it is important to be ready at every opportunity the Lord presents to share with my words, the blessed gospel, but that isn't enough!! My life must reflect what he has done. Peter tells us that an unsaved husband can be brought to Christ through the conduct of a believing wife, without her ever speaking a word! (1 Peter 3:1-2) I believe that is also the case not just for unbelieving husbands but for anyone. My life, my reactions to all circumstances should be a reflection of my Savior. I should be filled with the Peace of God that goes way beyond any earthly understanding, that it points people to my Savior! When I interact with others, they should immediately be able to tell that I have something different...something that they are missing and want to have! Peter says in 1 Peter 3:15, But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear (humbleness and respect). I get the idea from this verse that they are going to ask me! Of course if I'm not living out my testimony, they won't be drawn to ask me anything, because they won't be able to see Christ through the dingy smudged mirror of my life.
Have you ever tried to witness to someone to have them throw up some other Christian who wasn't living for God! I know that is the devil and that he is trying to side track them from their need of a Savior by having them focus on the "Christian" with the bad testimony...but it also makes me so sad, I wonder if they will ever realize this side of glory the damage they have done to the cause of Christ by their actions. How many times have I been that stumbling block?
Oh Father, that you would cleanse me and create a clean heart within me! Fill me with your peace and joy. May I be known for that meek and quiet spirit, that brings pleasure to you! Father, when I open my mouth, may my speech by gracious, pleasing and honoring to you. My desire above all others is that my life would be a clear reflection of You. Father, speak with my mouth, love with my heart, see with my eyes, touch with hands, and go with my feet! In Jesus Name, Amen.
Joy Anzalone
Manta, Ecuador
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