Target Point, Vol. 23 of 33 Today's Verse/Thought: Being Like Christ, 1-Behavior That Lights Up
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16
Life Implication:
The Bible makes it clear that we are called to be lights. It does not tell us to shine our light on people-but to allow our light to shine. When we shine our light others only see the glare. This is a clear call to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. Remember the great painting of the Mona Lisa. I doubt you could describe what that frame looks like. The job of a good frame is not to draw attention to itself, but rather the precious content it is meant to display.
Are people seeing Jesus IN you-or are they seeing you-the frame? Unless Jesus' nature is revealed in us we will have little foundation to speak with authority about Him. The big problem today with many Christians is that we just want to talk about Jesus. Often that is why our REAL witness is so weak. I call it sound-bite Christianity.
We cannot compromise. If we are followers of Christ then we must live exemplary lives. That means that we do not have the liberty to cheat or stretch the truth in any area. Anything less will virtually disqualify us from being worthy of witnessing for Him. The world is looking for the REAL deal. We must give it to them.
Life Application:
Examine your life. Are there areas where you are compromising? Make a list of what you will have to let go of in order to be all that Jesus wants. Pray and give those issues in your life to God. Make a commitment to rid yourself of all that hinders you.
Are you shining your light or letting it shine? Are you Imposing or Exposing your faith? Are you planting seeds or pulling weeds? Telling people about Jesus is only effective if we have earned their respect.
Tomorrow In TargetPoint:
Being Like Christ, 2-Attitude Adjustment