John (not his real name) lives in a village in the South on the outskirts of a large city. His village of several thousand is home to one Christian family – his. He says that it is important for him, everyday before he leaves home, to spend time with the Lord so his spirit can be renewed. John tells that as he walks the streets of his village, it is important for him to walk with his head up and smile at those he meets. This is the way his neighbors know that he has the victory. If he is downcast, they believe that their religion is overcoming John. John says that as long when he lets God show through him, the neighbors feel that John’s God must be greater.
The Southern portion of our country has a much more pronounced religious presence than the large city we live in. There is a higher rate of activity in a non-Christian religion as well as greater intolerance for Christian practice. John is an example of how important it is to have a Christian witness in all the cities, towns and villages of this nation. That Christian witness, like John, must “let their light so shine before men” that they will come to know the One who died for them.
As we’ve spent just about three months here, we’ve seen a number of things. I have a confession: I’m not the pray-er I should be. I have to consciously remember to pray for people we pass on the streets, ride the bus with, or encounter in stores. When I look at their faces, it’s not the light of the glory of God that I see. I see, most often, despair and hopelessness, hardness and distrust. With less than one percent of the population who know the Savior, there are few faces that share His light. That makes it all the more important for those of us who know Him to let Him be seen.
Paul tells us that “we have this treasure in earthen vessels.” We are just regular jars of clay. We’re fragile and there is little that adorns us of any value or beauty other than that which comes from the Lord. In our weakness, however, we find His strength. In our yieldedness we discover His empowerment. In our humility we find that He lifts us and sets us at His table.
We have a lot to smile about.
The Southern portion of our country has a much more pronounced religious presence than the large city we live in. There is a higher rate of activity in a non-Christian religion as well as greater intolerance for Christian practice. John is an example of how important it is to have a Christian witness in all the cities, towns and villages of this nation. That Christian witness, like John, must “let their light so shine before men” that they will come to know the One who died for them.
As we’ve spent just about three months here, we’ve seen a number of things. I have a confession: I’m not the pray-er I should be. I have to consciously remember to pray for people we pass on the streets, ride the bus with, or encounter in stores. When I look at their faces, it’s not the light of the glory of God that I see. I see, most often, despair and hopelessness, hardness and distrust. With less than one percent of the population who know the Savior, there are few faces that share His light. That makes it all the more important for those of us who know Him to let Him be seen.
Paul tells us that “we have this treasure in earthen vessels.” We are just regular jars of clay. We’re fragile and there is little that adorns us of any value or beauty other than that which comes from the Lord. In our weakness, however, we find His strength. In our yieldedness we discover His empowerment. In our humility we find that He lifts us and sets us at His table.
We have a lot to smile about.
