Originally published Monday, 15 December 2014.
www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org
As a professing Christian, if you don’t already know, people who are unsaved and even saved for that matter, are watching your walk with Christ. Yep! It’s true. I know…the pressure. But the reality is that they want to know, “Are you the real deal?” and “Are you someone that I can follow to lead me to Christ?”
Yet, for others who have been saved for quite some time, but are interested in spiritual growth, they may be watching your obedience, endurance, perseverance, how you overcome struggles and pain in your life, and how you handle your relationships, co-workers, marriage, and children. And then there are others who simply want to know how to experience your joy, excitement, peace, love, and drive to want to stay in love with Christ (and we know that this is through the power of the Holy Spirit working in us). But no matter where you are, someone is watching your walk.
First Timothy 4:16 says, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right, and God will save you and those who hear you.” As Christians, we have a daily responsibility to not only live this life ourselves, but to also teach it to others by example. Keep in mind that in this Christian life, we are always on. Our character is on display whether we are at home, church, work, school, or in the community, people are trying to follow a godly example, not a bad one.
On a personal note, I’ll never forget when I was a little girl I had a friend who introduced me to Christianity as a peer. She was awesome! However, her mother and father went to church, but I noticed that her mom was real mean. And I noticed that her parents were very distant with each other. This left a lasting impression on me as a child growing in the faith. That experience taught me to be mindful of my own life around my children’s friends. Because if they see me one way in church and another way at home, that sends mixed signals to them…even as children growing in the Lord.
So this reflection made me very conscious and aware of my own personal walk with God. And the reason being is because people want to follow someone who is not only talking the word, but living it in action. That’s being a light! But let’s take a closer look and guess who’s trying to follow our footsteps today…
Co-workers, classmates, or friends - During lunch, coffee, or water breaks, they’re listening to your conversation. Are your words carnal? Do you laugh at coarse jokes or speak negatively around them? Or is it positive, life-giving, and godly?
Fellow church members – Are you changing? Are you showing love, practicing self-control, being obedient to leadership, living the word, and serving in the area that God has called you to serve? Or are you a gossip, slanderer, rebel, or slothful servant?
Spouse – Are you submissive, respectful, and loving? Or do you side with the world and boss your husband around and wear the pants in the house?
Children – Are you loving, patient, and nurturing? Or do you scream most of the time, and do they see you one way in church, but another way at home? Are you a positive mom or a negative one?
The list can go on and on, but the point here is that we examine ourselves to see what type of light we are reflecting to others, and make the necessary corrections if need be. Because believe it or not, people are watching our walk. Granted, I know that we're all a work in progress, but we still have to keep in mind that we could be the first true Christian example someone meets. And we need to take seriously that even those on the inside of our lives need to experience Christ’s love through us. So let’s consciously take heed to what Jesus said in Matthew 5:15-16, “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 out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” That's what this is about! So let’s shine bright for Christ sis...from the inside out. It’s time!
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, if this post and ministry has blessed your life, please consider making a donation of any amount today to help further the gospel here @ http://www.insideoutwithcourtnaye.org/.
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