Let Them See Jesus

"And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. .... to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, ... that no one should be shaken by these afflictions ... May the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. " - 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7, 3:3,12-13

Do you watch the news much? Martie and I have struggled with whether we should continue. The preponderance of the news is about what bad people have done or what tragedy has befallen them - very little - maybe at the very end - one snippet about something good. We used to say in the Army that one "you messed up" can erase 10 "you did well". What is wrong in the world carries a lot of weight and seems to be what the people want to know about. Or at least that is mostly what they are being told about.

My guess is, though, that most people really crave good news. Some words of hope. Mankind does not seem to be doing a good job of fixing the problems that have persisted, generation to generation. The technology has changed but the underlying source of the problem has not. We live in a fallen - corrupted world. It will not get better until Jesus returns. Sounds pretty dismal doesn't it.

But there is hope - there is good news. Through faith in Jesus, mankind can find love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23) If you are a Christian, and I assume you are if you are reading this, then you can be a light in a world without hope. Living by faith - people can get a glimpse of Jesus through your life. Not just by what you say but by what you do.

"sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear" - 1 Peter 3:15

It is more than telling people that Jesus saves - although that is an eternal truth and worth telling. But it about living a transformed life - being the fragrance of Christ - 

"For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." - 2 Corinthians 2:15

That does not happen by trying harder but by "faithing" harder. Living a surrendered life by faith.

Then you will let them see Jesus.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone