In “Other” Words…

Our church had the wonderful opportunity to have Dr. Alvin Reid come and be a guest speaker. But he was not just the guest speaker; he went with the youth (high school and middle school) all weekend for Discipleship Now. My son was one of the youth that went. After hearing Dr. Reid preach Sunday morning I was jealous my son got to spend all weekend with him. I got this quote from his sermon. His sermon stayed with me all day and gave me a lot to “chew” on.

“You act more like a Christian by your influence on the lost, then the saved people you impress.” – Dr. Alvin Reid

If I were to ask the waiters at the restaurants you visit the most often, or the grocery store people you see almost daily, or the other stores you like to frequent, what could they tell me about you? If you are served a meal that is not exactly as you ordered it, what is your reaction? If they know you are a Christian, how do you tip? What impression do you leave on them? If there is a long line at the grocery store, and you are in the line stating 10 items or less and the person ahead of you clearly has over 10 items. Do they hear heavy sighing from you?

There are certain things every non-believer can tell right off the bat about a Christian. One, do we really care about them as a person. Or are we just offering them up Christianese lip service? I can tell you, even if they have never been in a church before they can tell the difference. How do we treat them? Secondly, do you actually believe what you talk about? You talk about how Christ forgives all sins, you share about his love, but do you really believe what you say? Do you live your life like you believe what you say? Lastly, a non believer can tell if the hand of God is on your life. They can tell if something is different about you, they may not be able to know what it is, but there is just something different.

Many times I believe we get too wrapped up in “looking good” to our fellow Christians. We have all the latest devotional books, we have the fish bumper sticker on our car, and we say all the right words. We don’t want to be seen with others who may tarnish our image. If you are seen hanging out with “Samaritans” then you must be a Samaritan yourself or at least believe the same things they do, right?

Wrong.

Christ sought “hanging out” with the Samaritans. He loved them, he was kind, and he was real. You can be all those things and hang out with Samaritans. Yes, you still need to be feed in the world, yes I believe belonging to a church or a support group is very important in the accountability factor. I am not diminishing any of that.

The Lord gave each of us individual personalities, and with those personality different ministries. I love the Christian Bikers that come to Daytona Beach for Bike week to show Christ to other bikers. Also Christian Bikers have a real ministry in reaching out to people in prison, many of them had bikes or really enjoy bikes. So finding that common ground with the lost is so important. And to find that common ground, you need to get to know them and them you. No matter what your focus is or who your audience is, you need be true to who you are and the ministry God has given you (not worried about what others think, because remember you will be rejected one time or another sometimes that rejection can come from fellow believers).

So don’t jump to conclusions if you see me hanging out with a group who looks a little questionable, for they are the ones that need me most. And I hope the waiters/waitress’, or the baggers, or the sales people can all say, “there is just something about her I like, it is something that comes from within.” For right there would be my opening line to share exactly where that comes from.

Acts 1:8

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

Powered by… Mister Linky’s Magical Widgets.

You May Also Enjoy:

• Unique!