Before we move on to Chapter 15, I want to touch on the seven virtues a bit more. Something has been weighing on my mind and it became more of a burden today.
We are talking about how we can be better wives (and moms). We are learning how we can serve our husbands and family with an attitude of joy. But I know we also want to be a living example to our families of God's love. But are we doing the same for the rest of those around us on a daily basis?
I don't know if it's the result of social media or just being more aware of the night and day differences between a Christian and a non-believer, but my heart has really been burdened lately for the lost. Most of those I know just don't want to hear what you have to say about God and salvation. Today I see more and more closed-minded friends and family than ever before.
But what if....what if we really did stand out from the world? What if our lives reflected these seven virtues on a daily basis? What if we always stood firm in our beliefs whether it goes along with the popular opinion or not?
1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
The world needs to see that we are different before they can believe in Jesus. If we are so caught up in this world and have our fists full of the world, we just don't look any different. We are not a light for Jesus.
Colossians 3:12-17 NIV
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Our children learn best by example. They are watching our every move. If we want them to grow up with a deep-rooted faith and trust in God, we have to model that for them. The same goes for the world. If we just say the Holy Spirit lives inside of us, but our actions, words and deeds don't reflect that, we are just a noisy gong.
I read on a Facebook post today some rather disheartening and misled thoughts from people so far removed from God - it broke my heart. It just reinforces my desire to grow more in my relationship with God. Think about the one person that you know that just exemplifies Christ and His love. I bet you will say that person is full of joy no matter what. For me, it's Mrs. Gale. Just one look at her and you know she loves Jesus with all of her heart. She has a magnetic joy that you just want to be a part of. No matter her circumstances, she always has a glow - that beautiful light of Jesus shining through her. I want to get to that. Imagine if there were many, many more of us with that kind of glow. The world would see it and they would want to know how we got it and how they could get it too. Lord, let us lead by example - knowing your word, living your word, being self-disciplined, bearing with one another and more. Bind them all together with love and let us be a beacon of hope to a lost world.
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