In our home we have a variety of calendars which provide Bible quotes, as well as other quotes from so-called famous individuals. One quote stood out for me this week from a man by the name of Henry David Thoreau. “Live your beliefs and you can turn the world around.” As a Christian I can relate to that comment since that is what we are directed to do by Jesus Christ.
What is strange, is the man was a transcendentalist, which as I understand, is a “belief in oneself”.
From my perspective the quote can be taken many ways which is true of many things said. However, in the case of a Christian, we find many scriptures to tell us to live our Christianity by example, which often speaks louder than words, both for good and bad. If we claim Christianity, how we behave is often a clear picture of who we are, and what we are. As a contrast to Mr. Thoreau’s beliefs I would turn to
Phillippians 2:3 KJV
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves.
A clear opposite of the Transcendental belief. We are to show love, empathy, sympathy for others over and above how we feel about ourselves. Now, that’s a difficult thing to do as human beings. Our natural selves want to look at others often in a negative or critical way while feeling good about ourselves.
I like the old phrase, “There but for the GRACE of God go any one of us.” Our value and importance is only seen in how we treat others and share the message of salvation through our example first and words second.
Ephesians 2:10 describes Christians as follows:
For we are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Think of it, “God’s workmanship”.
Isn’t that marvelous and wonderful. We are God’s product. A product made in His image designed to do good and follow Him. Another one of my favorite sayings is “A picture is worth a thousand words”. So the picture that we Christians present should be one of caring and keeping. Loving others better than ourselves. Praying for each other and giving assistance wherever we can.
Our mandate as Christians is as follows.
Ephesians 5:15 – 16
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
So our mandate is clear. We have a message to share love and sacrifice. Let’s do it in the way we present ourselves to the world. Living our lives as a picture of the one who saved us and always ready to give an answer for our beliefs.
My challenge and all Christians are challenged to live our lives as though God is walking at our side and sees our every behavior. Oh right! He does see our every behavior, and so do all the people we meet and know. Let’s make our picture worth a thousand words.
Christ gave his life for our sins on the cross. That’s the reason we gather each Sunday morning at 9:30 to remember that sacrifice and thank him for His great Love for each one of us.
Services
When: Sunday Nov 5, 2023 Don’t forget the time change! 09:00 am Breaking of Bread 10:15 am Fellowship Time 11:00 am Family Bible Hour
