Matthew 7:21 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
This powerful verse from Matthew serves as a constant reminder that our faith in Christ is not just a matter of words but of deeds. It echoes the sentiment that mere professions of faith are insufficient; rather, it is the embodiment of God’s will in our lives that truly defines us as followers of Christ.
Recently, a simple conversation between Judah and Sairah sparked a profound reflection on the authenticity of our Christian witness. During their discussion, the question emerged:
Do we truly live like Christians?
One evening, after gymnastics class, Judah and Sairah got into a conversation that revolved around a concern. Sairah, visibly troubled, shared her observations about some of the kids she had encountered. What troubled her was the frequent use of foul language and casual profanity taking the Lord’s name in vain. In her confusion, she voiced her shock aloud, “But I thought they were Christians.” Judah, in response, added a thought-provoking dimension, saying, “Or are they?” This simple exchange sparked a profound reflection on the authenticity of the faith professed by those around them.
Judah and Sairah’s exchange serves as a metaphor for the world around us. In the sea of everyday life, do our actions and words stand as a testament to our faith, or do they leave others questioning the authenticity of our commitment to Christ?
Living as Christians means more than attending church services or quoting verses. It means embodying the teachings of Christ in every aspect of our lives, allowing our faith to shine through our actions and interactions. It is in the mundane moments, like a conversation after gymnastics, that our true colours are revealed.
Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Our lives should be a living testimony to the transformative power of Christ’s love. Like a radiant light in the darkness, our actions should reflect the love, kindness, and respect that Christ has shown us. As Christians, we are called to be a beacon of hope, demonstrating a stark contrast between the values of the world and the values we hold dear.
James 2:17 says, “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
In a world that often feels hopeless and lost, our lives should stand out as a beacon of hope and faith. Our commitment to Christ should be evident not just in our words but in our deeds. It is through our consistent and genuine display of Christ’s character that we can truly impact those around us.
As we are in the last month of 2023, let us take this opportunity to evaluate our lives. Are we truly living as Christians in this dark world? Do our words, actions, and attitudes reflect the love and grace of our Saviour? May our lives become a testament to the power of Christ’s redemption, inspiring others to seek Him and experience the joy of a transformed life.
Remember this verse–James 1:22, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
This verse serves as an important reminder that our faith is not passive but active. Let us not only hear the word but live it out in our daily lives. In doing so, we fulfil our calling to be true disciples of Christ, living examples of His love and grace in a world that desperately needs it.
| Consider this: This week, I would like to give you three to-dos and verses to remember as you set out on a journey of truly living as a Christian: Examine Your Actions Through the Lens of God’s Will: – To-Do: Regularly assess your words, actions, and attitudes to ensure they align with God’s will. – Verse to remember: Philippians 1:9-10 (NIV): “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” This verse emphasizes the importance of growing in knowledge and insight to discern God’s will. By continually seeking wisdom and understanding through God’s Word, prayer, and reflection, we can better examine our actions and align them with His divine purpose. Let Your Light Shine in Dark Places: – To-Do: Be intentional about being a light in your workplace, school, or community, reflecting Christ’s love through your behaviour. – Verse to remember: Ephesians 5:8 (NIV): “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” This verse beautifully captures the transformative power of Christ, describing believers as once being in darkness but now shining as lights in the Lord. It encourages us to live in a way that reflects the light of Christ, illuminating the dark places around us. By embracing our identity as children of light, we actively contribute to dispelling darkness and revealing God’s truth and love to those who are in need. Live Out Your Faith Actively: – To-Do: Move beyond passive faith and actively demonstrate your beliefs through compassionate deeds and genuine love for others. -Verse to remember: Colossians 3:17 (NIV): “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” |