WE ARE BEING WATCHED AND READ
Some of the retired men in our church meet twice a month for coffee and fellowship, and I have the privilege of sharing a short devotion with them. Today I shared from 2 Cor. 3:3
YOU ARE OUR EPISTLE WRITTEN IN OUR HEARTS, KNOWN AND READ BY ALL MEN. NKJV
YOU YOURSELVES ARE ALL THE ENDORSEMENT WE NEED, YOUR VERY LIVES ARE A LETTER THAT ANYONE CAN READ. MESSAGE
D.L.Moody has been quoted as saying “OF 100 MEN, ONE WILL READ THE BIBLE 99 WILL READ THE CHRISTIAN”.
We probably know the fact that “what we are speaks louder than what we say”. This is such a challenge to us, I have asked myself the question WHAT DO PEOPLE READ WHEN THEY LOOK AT ME? Most people have in their minds their definition of what a Christian is and how he should behave, so they judge us through the filter of their definition. We can’t help that, but we can sure seek to the best of our understanding to clearly communicate Christ through our lives
Just yesterday afternoon Margaret and I went to a “Winter Warmer” a Christian music concert at a Salvation Army church about 20 kms. from our home. The band was the internationally famous Melbourne Staff Band of the S.A. The music and the message they communicated was excellent. One particular item was entitled “Serving our present (digital) generation”. This was highlighted in an excellent PowerPoint presentation. I realised because of my age I am at least 2 generations back from this present generation, this caused me to ask myself many questions like : am I actually communicating with this present generation? Am I even speaking the same language that they understand? I realise sadly the answer to a great degree is NO.
In a few months time I will have a born again Christian for 66 years, I am a product of a Holiness and then a Pentecostal church which has exposed me to some great truths but also some legalistic attitudes and mindsets. which includes dress standards, speech, and lifestyle behaviour. It would seem I need to modify some of my thinking and attitudes, but without compromising what I believe is clearly taught in the Word of God. I am sure my past attitudes could have been judged condemnatory and critical. So what is the challenge if I am to be an Epistle for Jesus? I must let the Holy Spirit change me, my thoughts and attitudes, my behaviour so that the real John Ollis is being changed more and more into the image of the Lord Jesus Christ, and people see Him and His love manifested in me. Does the above make sense to you, if you have suggestions to give me on how I more effective communicate intelligibly both by life and my lip I would sure appreciate it.
