What Do They See?

"If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won’t do it, because I don’t want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message," (2 Corinthians 12:6 NLT).

With this statement Paul is making, it appears that when we are telling the truth, we are not necessarily boasting, but some could take it that way. Why should this matter? If we're going to create an environment in which people will want to know our Risen Savior, we must make sure that they "see" us living what we preach and not just hear us--boasting about what we are able to do through Him.

If we are indeed a new creation in Christ Jesus, do people see us doing the same old things we used to do that kept us in a quagmire of ungodly living?

Are we living with others in an intimate relationship outside of marriage--as God defines marriage?

Are we subjecting ourselves to the fallout of using illicit drugs?

Are we mindful of the laws designed to protect the innocent and do we adhere to them?

Are we allowing our tongues to wag and snag others into the pits that kept us receiving God's best in our lives?

If we say we are born again, and yet--others see us as though we have never heard of Jesus Christ, what benefit is that to the Kingdom of God?

Are we not aware that we when we "say" one thing and yet do another--we are hypocrites?

Do people see us being friendly and courteous to others--no matter what the situation that arises?

Do they see us respond calmly to negative events or do we clown like the heathens and then--five minutes later--we are heard praising God?

If we really want to win others to Christ, we must become "living epistles read of men" for the glory of the kingdom of God and not our own.

It is not what people hear us say that convinces them our God is an awesome God--it is what they see us do--in trying times as well as the good times--that convinces them of our God.

God is faithful to keep us focused on Him when we allow Him to do so. If we're going to boast--let this be our boast--He is faithful--and we must learn to do the same.

Father, in the name of Jesus, help us to become more like You with each breath we take and show others by what we do, not what we say--just how awesome You are.