journey onWord with us

Do you ever wonder or care what people think of you? Of course you do! We want people to respect us, value our opinions, and hopefully see that our faith works. But we are often tentative to share the most important aspect of our life – our faith! This week I was challenged from a distance about being an ambassador of my faith. One of my clients, a missionary to another country, was asked about his profession in completing a life insurance application. His answer probably stunned the underwriter but explained the passion and goal of his life. He responded, “telling people about Jesus,” which is now emboldened in his life insurance policy. Bold words for sure, but words that matter … for eternity!

Consider the small world that surrounds you on a daily basis. The people (whether at work, in your home, in social settings or with neighbors) who all get an opportunity to see your faith in action. Acknowledging that all these people are a part our personal journey is daunting, but it’s absolutely true. On a daily basis others will be watching to see if we mean what we say, practice what we preach, and generally live according to our faith principles. What a great opportunity! What a solemn responsibility!

Many would say to me, “I’m just a silent witness,” or, “I don’t want to push my religion on someone else.” The truth of the matter is, everyone around you “sees” what you believe and how you view the core issues that make life worth living. My purpose is not to instruct anyone to start parading their faith, but rather to start embracing who you are. If you have accepted Christ as your personal Savior, God’s design is for you to represent Him well. And never forget that those in your small world may just be seeking what you have … a relationship with God, through Jesus Christ who gave His life to redeem them.

Great counsel was given in the book of I Corinthians by the apostle Paul. It frames our responsibility well. Since it’s a given that our lives will be on display, let’s use these admonitions as our pattern.

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
I Corinthians 16:13-14 (ESV)

In our small world, being spiritually alert is imperative. Living with indifference will hinder the cause we are called to represent. It’s interesting that the verse above talks about standing firm in the faith. Our world wants, and often demands that all paths be acceptable. Truth is relative and dependent. That worldview is diametrically opposed to the Bible, and is therefore false. In our small world of relationships, never shy away from standing firm in your faith. It may be daunting, but the truth is the truth. Embrace the opportunity to be salt and light.

To stand firm and really make a difference, we must do everything in love. Strong faith, administered with a loving heart is a powerful witness. So, since others have sized us up anyway, why not embrace the challenge of practicing our faith and speaking the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). My client’s answer on the insurance company form really is the fundamental “job description” of all Christ-followers … telling people about Jesus.

Ask the Father for the boldness to tell others in your small world about what and who changed your life!