Devotionals

How Am I Known?

by John Custer
06/30/20
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HOW AM I KNOWN?  by John Custer

A lady came into Chick-fil-a with three small children and took a seat. Tonie, the dining room manager, went to her table, took her order and later brought her food to her.  Jim, Tonie's husband, was the supervisor and just as helpful.  What struck me as noteworthy was that Jim had been a commercial airplane pilot, and Tonie had been a stewardess.  Several years ago the doctor prescribed medicine to Jim that prevented him from piloting.  

Jim had been known as a pilot.  Sometimes people have their whole identity in their career.  When they lose their career, they are lost; they don’t have any other identity.  Jim, however, was a really genuine, loving person before he became a pilot and he continued to be a really genuine, loving person as a Chick-fil-a supervisor.  I love to stop there for coffee because their love is so radiant. 

Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  John 13:35 (NIV)  People knew Tonie and Jim that way.

I have been known as a funeral director, a missionary, a bicyclist and probably a few other things.  But I aspire to be known as a Christian who loves others.

Obviously, to be known as a loving follower of Jesus, means you must have many consistent actions of loving others.

So where is your focus? When your name comes up, do people think of you first as a loving person or as something else?  Would you be devastated if your career changed suddenly as Jim’s did?

“Lord, help me to be known as a true disciple of yours because of my love for others.”

Sharing Christ is my purpose and passion.