Christian Living

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When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you. {Ephesians 4:29 NCV}

Sometimes I go to church or watch a program on television and begin to feel, well....small; unimportant; inferior. I see people deeply touched by the pastor or evangelist, a writer, the musicians and singers. I am certainly not a speaker. I haven't written any best selling books. I'm no musician, and you really don't want to hear me sing! So what can I do? What seeds can I possibly sow into the Kingdom? How can God use me?

But the other day, the Lord reminded me.......

When I was a child, my mother said to me as she left the room (knowing I was up to something), "Even though I can't always see you, God can!' Now, this did not stop me from getting into my fair share of trouble over the years, but ever since she said that, I've pictured these HUGE "God eyes" peering down at me through the clouds and I think twice about my next step! I may start to mess up, but then I see "the eyes" and end up in tears before the deed is done. That one statement has totally impacted my life. I may not remember any of the particulars from my summers at "Jesus Camp", the details of any of the many church services I've been to or even the specifics of the classes I've taken, the books I've read or the conferences I've attended, but I'll never forget that one simple sentence.

You see, it's important to keep in mind the affect we can have on someone through an ordinary conversation or a modest gesture. Our words and deeds as minor as they may seem, can have great power in other's lives. Our everyday interactions with others have more influence on hearts than the most compelling pastoral message, the most persuasive text (aside from the Bible of course!!) or the most beautiful song.

Take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. {James 3:4-5}

I was in the hospital for two weeks before we lost our twins. The prognosis was not good - but still I continued to trust in God. I believed in my heart that He would see us through. A nurse from another floor often came in to my room just to see how I was doing. One day she said as she stared into my eyes, "Ya know, you have the brightest smile. I can see Jesus shining through your smile, and I am so blessed every time I see you." She left quickly as she was called to another room, but that resonated in me.....in the delivery room as I watched our babies slip away.....on the car ride home - by ourselves....every time I had to explain to another person what happened....as I struggled with anger and resentment toward the God who took our babies from us and let me down...when I finally found joy (and Joi) in that dark, dark place....and even now as I type through the tears. My Father used this good nurse to encourage me and remind me that He was still right there with me; in me. I can never forget that.

"You are the light of the world. {Matthew 5:14}

Jesus said YOU and I are the light of the world - not just prominent "religious" figures - YOU and I!

Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. {Romans 4:19}

How? OPEN YOUR EYES - find the opportunities all around you! Speak a word of encouragement to someone who is struggling. Pray with someone going through a difficult time. Quote scripture to those looking for direction. Correct a child and direct them to a path of righteousness when you see they are doing the wrong thing - YES even if they do not belong to you! Serve someone in need. Be kind to someone who is having a bad day. Tell someone you forgive them for offending you. Remind the one who is lost that Jesus loves him or her. Be patient with the one who is holding you up. Invite someone to church with you. These actions don't take much effort or time, but they do make a forceful statement for the Kingdom of God. And I'm willing to bet there's some residual JOY in there for you too!

"Make every effort" to impress love, strength and peace onto another's heart. Breathe life and love onto those you come in contact with. You never know when that one thing you say or do will be someone's UNFORGETTABLE!

Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. {1 Thessalonians 5:14 NLT}

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