Scripture says that your life should be lived in such a way that those around you can see Jesus in you.“In the same way, let your light shine before men so that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16. Now that sounds good but what does it mean? The only explanation that works for me is the one that talks about service;working, in the name of God.
It would be ludicrous to think anyone can live a perfect spiritual life. But here again, it is reasonable to expect that it shouldn’t take a cross-examination by a district attorney to see and understand where a person is coming from. The man whoprofesses to love Jesus shouldn’t feel okay about cheating on his wife. The man who claims Christ as his Lord and Savior can’t be content living a life of crime. The Lord can’t be your leader, and you find ways to rationalize illicit sex, lies, and satanic rock and roll. We all do it, but at some point in your supposed walk with God, again, your behavior, obedience, principles, and integrity must shine through. Perfection is impossible, but serious effort is not only possible, it’s mandatory. It is indeed necessary to give it your best shot each and every single day. You will fall short, but it shouldn’t be due to a lack of effort. I forget who said if you try, you might fail. But if you don’t try, you are guaranteed to fail. God, you see, requires effort; consistent and serious effort in an attempt to live up to the Jesus model.
Forgive me for a moment if I testify about what I know to be true. My bible says the closer we come to Jesus’ standards, the more we experience the blessings of God. And why wouldn’t we? After all, Jesus had already put his footprints in the snow. The path to righteousness is clear. The goal is simply to be in the right relationship with God.“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all things will be given you as well.” Matthew 6:33.This seeking, to me, has always meant working in some capacity. Jesus said, “As long as it is day, we must do the work of Him who sent me.” John 9:4. Now, I don’t proclaim to be anywhere near Jesus’ pedigree, but I am not opposed to working for what I want. I’ve done it all my life. You probably have too.
So the important question is, how hard are you willing to work, knowing that your very soul is at stake? Just what are you willing to do to let the world know you are a man or woman of Christ?
The good news of the gospel makes it clear that this is easy, if not ridiculously easy. Love God and love your neighbor. Please remember that in this context, love is, as I’ve come to define it, a verb. Do enough so that the Jesus in me meets up with the Jesus in you. Rather, do something that another person can’t mistake for anything else but kindness from above. Help somebody. For me, I’m asking God to walk with me in an effort to witness. I don’t exactly have that down in any natural way yet. I’m finding that it’s not something that you can study. But it is something that’s learned and triggered by the recognition that somebody needs to hear a word from God. At that particular moment however, God might just have chosen you to deliver that word. So open your mouth and speak. To me, this work that I’m trying to be focused on is recognized by letting go and letting God use me to uplift the soul of another human being. I’m trying to be up to the task. For those of you who are used to this, you know it is a very humbling experience. But,“…If a man will not work, he shall not eat…And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10- 13. That’s it really. Get up and get busy.
May God bless and your effort always.
This column is from James Washington’s Spiritually Speaking: Reflections for and from a New Christian. You can purchase this enlightening book on Amazon and start your journey toward spiritual enlightenment.
