My seven-year old daughter and I was standing in the grocery store line a while back. She heard a man having a conversation on his cell phone in front of us and whispered in my ear, “That man curses a lot.” My daughter’s observation of a complete stranger’s behavior reminded me of how much our actions are on display. It can be said of all of us that we will never know whose eyes are upon us and when. People are looking at what we do and how we do it, and most of the time we’re unaware. This should inspire all of us to be more careful about what we do when we think no one is looking, because we can be sure that someone always is.
Even back in earlier biblical days of the Old Testament, people were often isolated and ostracized if they looked or behaved too differently than the norm. As Children of God, we must know that being different actually is our norm, and it is not always easy. As a matter of fact, it can be quite challenging. Being a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ and living the Christian life is the most rewarding thing any living person can be and do, but it isn’t celebrated in the world. When it comes to the unbelieving world who reject the truth of His Word, Heavenly Father tells us in 2Corinthians 6:17(NLT), “Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.”
Believers are commanded by God to be set apart for His purposes. Our actions and behavior should make a difference in the lives of others, not because we are so great, but because the One who works through us is. He instructs us in Colossians 4:5-6(NLT), “5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
You might not realize it, but there are tons of people that haven’t been introduced to the Lord Jesus Christ, but deep inside, they sense that he is knocking at the door of their hearts. It’s our responsibility to help them realize this and hear his voice more clearly. I once knew a man in his late thirties that was never taught about prayer, had never owned or read the bible, and his family never talked about God or Jesus Christ. He didn’t know much at all about the Lord. With widespread social media, it is easy to take for granted that everyone knows a little bit about the faith, but this isn’t necessarily true. It goes to show us how satan blinds the minds of many people. It also lets us know how easy it is for God to work through you and me, as believers, to be the point of contact to connect a lost soul to Him through Jesus Christ. Sometimes, it’s just a look or a smile on our faces that draws a person in.
Jesus Christ said in Matthew 9:37(NLT), “The harvest is great, but the workers are few.” This is true today! People are starving to see something different—not just on the surface, but something authentically transformed in us from the inside out. Ephesians 5:8 reminds us that we were once trapped in the bondage of darkness by the devil, but now we are light, and our very lives confirm that the light of Jesus Christ rules us. This is our reality as born-again believers, and we are commanded by the Lord to walk in this light every moment, even when we think no one is looking. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“YOU Are on Display!” written by Kim Times, edited by Reverend Fran Mack for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2020. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.