26 January 2011

The Light of the World

Today someone came up and said, "I didn't know you were a Christian." My response was simply, "Yes, I am." But, after I thought about it I realized how sad this was that He didn't know I was a Christian, that he couldn't tell that I was a Christian. I started to think, why didn't he know? How could he not tell? And the only clear answer was that I wasn't living the way I should be. I wasn't living my life in a Christian manner. Now, I don't mean that I need to change the way I walk, or necessarily the way I talk in everyday life. However, I do need to learn to proclaim Jesus everyday. I need to learn to witness for Him all the time! After all, Matthew 5:14-16 says:
You are the light of the world, a city on a hill cannot be hidden. Men do not light a candle 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 so that they may see your good deeds and worship your father in Heaven!

23 January 2011

I'm Meant for Something Big

God calls us all to be followers. He intends for all of us to follow His guidance. In John 21, we hear the story of Peter and 6 other disciples fishing. The have cast their nets time and time again and have caught no fish. Jesus appeared to them and said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they obey Christ, they bring in a bountiful catch.

Jesus shows us over and over that He will always help us. He will always guide us. He is there for us. However, we must take the time to follow Him; to obey Him. Later in the chapter, it goes on to say that Jesus asked Peter, 3 times if Peter loved Him. Every time Peter said, Yes, Lord you know that I love you." Jesus tells Peter follow Him. To tend His flock. Look after them.

All of us are meant to follow Christ. However, the Lord does call some of those followers to lead. But, what can we lead what we have not followed ourselves? Do schools hire teachers that haven't had to follow education? Do businesses hire managers that haven't had to follow the path to supervisor? No. It is meant for us to follow Christ. And, from that He will lead us to our purpose.

For years, I've known that I'm meant for something big. I meant to do something. And, for years, I've been searching for it. If I'm meant to do it, surely I'll find it. But, no. I'm meant to follow Christ. I'm meant to follow. He will lead me to what I'm meant to do. Whatever that may be.

So, I will follow Christ. He will lead me, and help me. He will guide me, and protect me. I will follow.