After
salvation, Christ's life in us is now our real life (Ephesians 1:23). Our
fleshly leanings and desires are part of the old, carnal self, which is now
dead in Christ (Galatians 2:20).
The sum
total of our converted life is: Christ in me, and I in Christ (Colossians
2:9-10). He is all we need. His fullness dwells within us now. We are no longer
our own, because Christ bought us with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Our
life is so perfectly connected to Christ that people see Him instead of us, and
they are drawn to His glory and love through us (Matthew 5:16).
Our
whole spirit, body and soul – our mind, will and emotions – are kept holy and
blameless by His Spirit until Christ returns (1 Thessalonians 5:23). He leads
us in the paths of righteousness to protect His reputation (Psalm 23:3).
We are
competent as ministers of the Gospel of Christ only because of God’s spiritual
covenant with mankind (2 Corinthians 3:6). Let us never pass up an opportunity
to share with others the change that God brought into our life.
I once
read this sentence, which greatly impacted my life: "Preach the Gospel at
all times; if necessary, use words."
We exemplify
the Gospel in our words, thoughts and behavior. People see a difference in us,
because Jesus abides within us. We are testimonies to others of the love of
Christ in us and through us.
Prayer:
Father God,
help us to live as testimonies to Your Word, which dwells within us by Your
Holy Spirit. We want people to see Jesus when they look at us, we want our
behavior and words to mirror Your life in us in such a way that people will
glorify You when they interact with us (Matthew 5:16).
Make us
a city set on hill, and a light that shines in this dark and discouraging
world. Allow us opportunities to share with others what You do for us each day.
Help them to see that You make a difference in our life and that living in the
center of Your will is the happiest place on earth.
Thought
for the Day:
The
evidence that we have passed from the death of self-centered sin into eternal life
is the love of Christ manifesting through us toward our Christian brothers and sisters,
as well as to the world around us.
- 1 John 3:14
