Witness Without Words

"He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ -

with all boldness and without hindrance!"
Acts 28:31

Aren't we all called to do this?  1 Peter 3:15 tells us "...Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..."   I believe that we don't always witness for Jesus with our words.  Sometimes, it's our lack of words that show how much our lives have changed.  I tell you what - I am in a spiritual battle lately...primarily at work.  Constant temptation to lash out at others, pay back nastiness with even nastier behavior, and to isolate instead of serve...oh yes, the list goes on.

Although I am refraining from the negative reactions, I am failing to witness without words.  I am not "loving" the others around me lately.  It might look like I'm being patient, but on the inside I'm simply withholding kindness.  I am not complaining, but I am easily angered and mentally keeping track of how many times I've been hurt.  Am I able to rise above the petty behavior around me?  Am I able to be the light in this darkness?  

So far, I'd have to honestly answer NO...I am not able, and I'm proving it with my actions (or should I say, my non-actions).  So, who is able?  I AM!  I AM, when I trust in Him...obey in His commands, submit to His will.  Ooh, there might be the problem.  Will I submit?  That's a tough one...the stubborn, prideful human in me certainly doesn't want to do that.  And there lies my spiritual battle.  It's hard not to think 'what's in it for me'.  All of this is hindering my ability to be bold for Christ, though.  It's certainly a challenge to let go of all the nonsense...which seems so silly, especially when the rewards of submission are dangling right in front of me - peace, freedom from the judgement of others, and less stress.  I think it's time to end this battle...

Understanding the Lord's Will

"Do not be drunk with wine, in which leads to debauchery;
but be filled with the Spirit."
Ephesians 5:18

 

 

My family and I know quite well how alcohol can affect our lives.  I think we can all distinctly remember the difference in our lives when it was filled to the brim with alcohol, and completely empty of the Spirit.  God used each and every minute of our lives during that time to build us up into the people we are now, though.  I am always amazed when I consider our past and see how we've all grown, and are continuing to grow.  Each journey unique, gifted, and blessed. 

 

The verses leading up to our memory verse for this week are also worth reading, to give Eph 5:18 a little more context.  "Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." (Eph 5:15-17) 

 

According to our verse this week, the Lord's will is that we be filled with the Spirit.  I had an interesting question come up from my 9 year old this past week.  He asked me "How does God speak to us?"  We had a great discussion about the Word, and how the Bible is living and active in our lives when we read it...and how reading a certain passage might mean something now, and then at another time we may get something completely different out of it depending on our circumstances.

 

A verse like Ephesians 5:18 could be a wake-up call for someone, or it might be a well-timed reminder for someone who is backsliding.  Maybe it calls you to reflect on the difference in your life that came from having a relationship with Christ.  Whatever it does, I pray that you are encouraged this week as we continue with our reading plan.