A Sermon in Shoes

Waiting For The Word / Foter / Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

“You’re just like Jesus.”

I was both surprised and deeply touched as my friend said that to me over lunch earlier this year. We had been chatting and catching up. As she shared how much she appreciates that we can be friends even though we are seemingly from two different worlds, she whispered those words that are perhaps one of the BEST compliments I could ever receive!

“I’m so not, but thank you. I’m trying to be,” is all I could eek out.

I don’t share this moment to boast. I share this to encourage you and remind you that some people will read your life way before they ever read the Bible. Your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors are watching your life to see if you practice what you preach and if you are the real deal.

That could overwhelm you or it could inspire you.

People are hurting and they’re looking for answers. As Christians, we have the awesome privilege of pointing them to Jesus.

If your friends seek you out in times of trouble for prayer or counsel, count it an honor and a joy! Ask God to give you the grace, wisdom, and courage to share a word in season.

Of course we’re not perfect, but we can all be the hands and feet of Jesus. It can be through a kind word, a smile or hug, a listening year, running errands, praying, forgiving (or even asking for forgiveness). The list goes on and on.

When the moment is right, don’t be shy about sharing your testimony and telling others about what your life was like before Christ and what it’s like now as a born-again, blood bought child of God!

Here’s just a friendly reminder that we’re called to be:

Salt – “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” (Matthew 5:13)

Light – “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

Witnesses – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

Ambassadors – “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)

We’re not called to hammer people over the head with the Bible. We’re called to love them, live out our faith walk before them, share the Gospel with them, and let the Holy Spirit do the rest.

I hope you’ll take some time to reflect on this: What is your life saying to others about Christ?

If you don’t like the answer, please don’t fall into condemnation. Ask God to help you be that salt, light, witness and ambassador right where you are!

Blessings to you as you let your light shine before others!

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.” (1 Peter 3:15-16)

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