Another Year of Choices
By Barbara Dahlgren
Are you religious? People make a huge error thinking that Christianity is a religion. It’s not so much a religion as it is a lifestyle. Religion is what you believe but Christianity is what you live. It’s something you do.
When people become followers of Christ, their lives are no longer their own. (1 Corinthians 3:23) They automatically become witnesses! (Acts 1:8) Others look carefully at the Christian lifestyle, so Christians are actually witnessing for Christ whether they want to or not. We Christians have quite a responsibility. What kind of witnesses are we?
Christians are the salt of the earth. (Matthew 5:13) Are we full of zest for the life we are called to live?
Christians are the light of the world. (Matthew 5:14) Do we light a candle in this world or do we curse the darkness?
Christians are friends of Christ. (John 15:13-15) Do we understand the meaning of friendship in our relationships? Can we keep a confidence?
Christians are not under the law but under grace. (Romans 6:14, 15) Do we know when to make an issue out of something and when to let it pass?
Christians are partakers of the sufferings of Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:2-8) How do we handle trials when they come our way? Christians aren’t promised a life without thorns or thistles.
Christians are a letter. (2 Corinthians 2:2, 3) When people read what is written on our heart, do they know more about a loving God?
Christians are a sweet aroma. (2 Corinthians 2:15, 16) Do we smell of fragrant perfume or reek of B.O? Do we need a spiritual bath?
The main reason people do not become Christians is because they know one. By the same token, the main reason other people do become Christians is because they know one. Maybe we should ask, “How do people feel when they are around me? What do people see when they look at us?” I’m not talking about perfection but reflection.
When we look in a mirror do we see wrinkles? Baggy eyes? Double chins? Scars? God doesn’t see that and He wants us to see what He sees…a reflection of Himself. (2 Corinthians 2:15,16) Do we reflect the fruits of the Holy Spirit or the works of the flesh? (Galatians 5:19-25) Do people see a glimmer of the reflection of God when they look at us?
Consider this… Do we profess to be religious? That may not be enough. For example, John said that just saying we love God but not showing it to our neighbor puts us on dangerous ground. (I John 4:20) On the other hand, doing something for others is the same as doing it for God. (Matthew 25:24-46)
You’ve heard it said a million times, “You have to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.” Remember, religion is something you believe but Christianity is something you DO!
Suggestions for practicing this choice…
Remember that actions speak louder than words, so talk less and do more.
Ask for God’s help to reflect His love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance in your life. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Stop cursing the darkness (complaining) and light a candle. Pray about it and see if there is anything you can do to help.
Perfection is overrated and not achievable. Don’t strive for perfection. Do the best you can with what you have.
If you fall down, get back up and walk that walk!
