As you continue to press on towards the
high calling of Christ, don’t forget your great value to the work of the
Kingdom. I’m afraid too often Christians float through life content without
really understanding the wonderful life they’ve been given. They fail to
recognize the glorious gift of reconciliation—that they have been made right
with God. They fail to fully appreciate the wonder of their adoption—that God
has actually made them a part of His family. And they fail to recognize their
high calling in Christ, a call to holiness. When Jesus called His disciples “salt” and “light” He
was speaking of the profound effect they have upon the world around them. Is
your life really making a difference?
Is your life a blessing to your brothers and sisters in Christ. Is your
life a testimony to them in such a way that they are encouraged. When Paul
suffered in prison it encouraged others who were suffering — “that most of the
brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more
courage to speak the word of God without fear" (Phil. 1:14).
As your brothers and sisters in Christ observe your life, is it an encouragement
or discouragement? Are they seeing your progress in holiness? Do they see your
example as one to emulate—consistent in attendance and service at church;
faithful in love, graciousness and patience? Do they see you as a person of high character and integrity, or do you compromise your principles easily. Are they encouraged as they see
you face trials with patience and faith?
What do the lost
see as they observe your life? Too often, by the time some professing
Christians finish making concessions and allowances there isn’t much left that
would identify them as a follower of Christ. How wonderful it is when the world
looks upon us and sees absolute commitment to Christ. How wonderful it is when
they witness people who are loving, kind, gracious, and merciful. These are
characteristics not often seen in this world. The person who possesses them
will stand out. Such people will have a great effect upon those who do not
profess Christ. Peter gives us great encouragement—“In the same way, you wives,
be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient
to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives, as
they observe your chaste and respectful behavior” (1Pet. 3:1-2).
Peter is saying that our Godly lives can have a great effect upon unbelievers.
May God help us to live such lives.
