Ruining Your Witness

We all have our moments.

Moments in time... where life, stress, frustration, realizations of an immediate reality hit hard and fast

In that moment (and more like it), you lose it. Not for long. But the initial outpouring of your frustration is made apparent. Possibly seen. More likely, at least heard.

Not long after that; for the Christian; for one actively trying to live a life that brings glory and honor to God and desires to grown in their faith... you realize your display was less than attractive. Particularly for those perhaps on the fence regarding Christians, Christianity in general and the legitimacy of one's faith in God.

It doesn't matter if they know you or not; know you're Christian or not. If they know anything of it and you displayed something different, then they don't really have much to base their understanding.

Your displayed reaction to a situation being less than attractive is a minor realization.

The major one, when it sets in....

You may have ruined your witness regarding your faith and your relationship with  Jesus Christ

For the truth hidden in the cliche, "You may be the only Bible people read" or "They only Jesus people meet", than what did your human reaction to a frustrating circumstance just show?

Not your faith; but someone no different than one without faith in God.

So whatever was in your life that attracted people to the possibility of their own relationship with Christ... well, the curiosity just might be gone.

And should you never get it back? Should you never get a second chance to get it back? Never get the opportunity to explain it, if that's possible? I don't know.

Sorry for the heavy perspective. This post practically wrote itself in a matter of minutes.

That said... if we do only get one chance to display our faith? God is not willing that any should perish, but as Christians something about our life has to be counter-culture to the world. In fact, not just something... I dare say nearly all, if not, indeed, everything. Counter-Culture. Not better than the world. Simply set-apart for God. Inviting those around us to join what will one day be the experience of the glory of God on the other side of eternity.

On this #communitySaturday, will you pray with me... first and foremost for the grace and forgiveness of God upon our lives, for such moments when frustration gets the better of our attitudes, words and actions. While we know we aren't perfect people, we should be endeavoring to become more like Christ, as He works in our hearts and lives. Pray the witness of the body of Christ be not ruined. Pray for an increased awareness of self-control, as well as the rest of the fruits of the Spirit to be resident in our lives; that we may truly live counter-culture; in a way that generates a curiosity about our lives whereby we may point those questioning to the person of Jesus Christ.

Lord, we need your help.
Lord, I need your help.
That the world would see more of you than they do of me.
For your glory and honor. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray these things.

- PNC

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