Think on These Things: Positive thoughts in a negative world…
People make a huge error thinking that Christianity is a religion. It’s not so much a religion as it is a lifestyle, one that reflects Christ living in us. Religion is what you believe, but Christianity is what you live. It’s something you do. So being a Christian requires more than just belief.
When people become followers of Christ (i.e., Christians), 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.
I’ve heard it said that one reason people do not become Christians is because they know one. By the same token, the main reason they do become Christians is because they know one. Which kind of Christian am I? How do people feel when they are around me? What do people see when they look at me? 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). We want to reflect the fruit of the Holy Spirit, not the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-25). When people look at us, we want them to see a glimmer of Christ in us.
Professing to be religious is not enough. Saying we love God but not showing it to our neighbors 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). Christians walk the walk, not just talk the talk. To reflect Christ in our lives, we need a little less talk and a lot more action.
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“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” ~Philippians 4:8 (KJV)
