Originally published Monday, 12 May 2014.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
If you are a Christian woman, others around you should notice that there’s something different about you. There should be something about you that sets you apart, and makes them desire what you have. And what do you have? JESUS! That’s right! It’s time out for just saying that we’re a Christian by name or association. It’s time for other people in our world to see that we are a lover of Christ not only by the love that we have for one another, but by our character and being a light for Christ.
Have you ever been in a place where someone walked into the room and that person just lit it up with their very presence? They just made you want to smile? What about when someone just did a kind deed and you happened to see it or hear about it? Did it make you think about your love walk? Honestly speaking, are you that kind of person…often? Examine yourself. Either way, my sister, these are just a couple of examples of what being a light for Christ looks like in real life.
Now, on the flipside, I need to ask you this question. Are you hiding your light? What I mean by this is… are you displaying things like a bad attitude, cursing, being overly or rudely impatient with people, having outbursts of anger, gossiping, backbiting, putting others down, fornicating (i.e. having sex and you’re not married), messing around with a married man, tampering with or embracing homosexuality, or living with someone whom you’re not married to? Or are you hanging out in places or doing things that you know would not glorify God? If you are doing these things, let me tell you something today. You’re killing your witness. Repent!
First Corinthians 6:9-10 says, “Don’t you know that those who do wrong will have no share in the Kingdom of God? Don’t fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, who are idol worshipers, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, greedy people, drunkards, abusers, and swindlers-none of these will have a share in the Kingdom of God.” (NLT) Also, Galations 5:19-21 says, “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, your lives will produce these evil results: sexual immorality, impure thoughts, eagerness for lustful pleasure, idolatry, participation in demonic activities, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, divisions, the feeling that everyone is wrong except those in your own little group, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other kinds of sin. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” (NLT)
*This is the Word. And not many people will tell you this. But I must.
Sinners need to see a changed lifestyle. Being a Christian means, being “Christ-like,” set apart, peculiar, and different. The Bible warns us to come from among them and separate ourselves…don’t touch their filthy things and we’ll be His children (Read 2 Corinthians 6:14-18). It’s not just about claiming a religion or going to church. It takes more than that. It’s something that has to take place deep on the inside of us that shows up on the outside. This dark world needs a Savior, not another hypocrite. They need deliverance. That’s what salvation means. When we have been saved, we should no longer live like sinners do. Many people don’t get this. But 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!” (NLT)
People are living in darkness, and they need true godly examples before them to shine bright and show them the way to Christ. And yes, God draws all men unto Himself through His Son Jesus Christ. Yet, we are also supposed to be salt and the light of the world. Jesus says so in Matthew 5:13, “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor?” And verse 14-16 says, “You are the light of the world-like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don’t hide your light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine for all to see, so that everyone will glorify your father in heaven.”
*Don’t lose your flavor sis. And don’t hide your light. When our lives are salty, others will have a thirst and desire for what we have, which is Jesus. And when we shine with the character of love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control (*the fruit the of the Spirit – See Galations 5:22-23), they’ll find their way.
As I close this post, don’t lose sight of this! Two thousand years ago, the Bible tells us, “God sent John the Baptist to tell everyone about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was only a witness to the light. The one who is the true light, who gives to everyone, was going to come into the world.” Jesus is the light, and we are His witnesses. So let’s shine bright through our good deeds and godly character, so that others might be saved and God be glorified! You can do this through Christ who gives you strength!
Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
~Courtnaye
*Thanks for reading! I hope and pray that you’ve been enlightened from this post. Feel absolutely free to leave a comment or for questions you can email me directly at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com, and I will respond promptly. Also, tune in every Monday at 7:30am for new posts! Don’t forget to “Like” my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/InsideOutWCourtnaye) and share this blog with friends, family, co-workers, or your women’s group or ministry. I’d love to stay connected and help more women grow in the Lord! Thanks again and may God be with you!
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