When the other driver cuts us off, when the boss chews into us, when our loved one is diagnosed with cancer - they are watching. Who? Non-believers. They are watching us Christians like a hawk. Somewhat puzzled, but mostly curious. They are curious of the inner peace we have when the world around us is falling apart. They wonder where our strength comes from. Deep down they sense the prompting of the Holy Spirit. It is a natural attraction. Their Creator is calling them. They have a decision to make.
Unfortunately many resent the fact that our lives are reminding them of God. They willingly choose to ignore this prompting of the Spirit, hence their quick judgment and criticism when we fall. They are ready to pounce on us as a means of justifying the sin in their own lives. They label us as hypocrites and move on.
Others, by God's grace, are ready to make that decision for Christ. God has brought us into their lives just as they are approaching the precipice of trusting Him. As a result of watching us they are ready. *They are willing to place their trust in God because they have first placed their trust in us.* This only comes through a genuine relationship with them. Being real is the only way this thing goes down. The world around us is starving for authenticity. No fakers here. -Real people with a real need for a Savior. We have to be real. Forget the Christian jargon. -That's for later growth. For a new Christian (or soon to be) they need transparency. This means we admit our struggles and we accept them with theirs, reminding them that a life in Christ is the only answer.
So next time you get discouraged and wonder if you're making a difference for Jesus remember that the co-worker in the next cubicle is watching your every move. Our lives are pointing the way. We are reminding other Christians of the joy Jesus Christ brings and pointing non-Christians to a life of hope.
Keep on keepin on,
GrantJ
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