Issue 961 – Show Them – January 18, 2023
I have had this image of a border collie leading her puppies around the sheep for some time now. I have no idea where I got it; likely, a friend sent it to me because I am a big border collie fan.
The image says so much. The sheep are paying close attention to the collie, ready to be moved. The puppies happily follow mom on “bring your puppies to work” day.
Mom is doing her job, teaching the puppies their future job and teaching the sheep that they need to listen to the puppies. She will teach them much of what they need to know about being a sheepdog.
The puppies are learning by seeing what it is that mom does. Our children are like that; they base more of their worldview on the way we live our lives than on our words.
They see if we are Sunday-only Christians and never integrate our faith into daily life. If we hold complaining hearts towards others, they hear it.
Do they see us reading and discussing our Bibles at home? Are we praying with them and for them? Do they see us loving our brothers and sisters in Christ and our neighbours as ourselves? Are the words we speak about the local church and its leadership drawing them in or pushing them away?
Many children walk away from the faith because they don’t see their parents trying to live it out. Why would they follow a faith that is only good for an hour on Sunday and has no impact on daily life?
Our neighbours watch us. Do they see us attempting to love them? Or do they only hear hypocritical words?
The Holy Spirit and the power of the Word convict people of their sin and draws them into a relationship with God. It is the demonstration of love and faithfulness in action that attracts them.
We must tell them of Jesus, but we must also show Him in our relationships.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35
Even within the walls of the local church, our walks are enhanced or stunted by the degree we honestly invest in the lives of others. Jesus’ disciples walked with him daily and saw His love and faith in action.
Their time with Jesus was a massive part of their discipleship. Our time with other believers should be part of our discipleship. We learn from one another and grow together.
Our time with other believers must move beyond the polite vagaries of social intercourse, and, to some degree, it needs to include the truth of God’s Word. Not every interaction needs to be a formal Bible study, but the Word should undergird our life and relationships.
Does your life reflect well on the Lord when others are watching? Is your faith an integral part of how you live your life or compartmentalized? Whose life are you building into?
Be Blessed
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2023 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is from the English Standard Version (ESV).
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