How to Best Represent Christ

Luke 24:13-34
The Walk to Emmaus

Jesus said to them, ' You are such foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets written in the Scriptures. Wasn't is clearly predicted by the prophets that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his time of glory! (25,26)

The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter. (34)

I am but a foolish person, for I would have been the doubter. God is revealing this to me today, to remind me of my new promise to Him - to be His warrior in this battle to come. I ask the Lord for forgiveness and for courage and strength to be a believer, especially when up against non-believers.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-28
Pauls's Final Greetings
Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until that day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God, who calls you, is faithful; he will do this. (23, 24)

I love this passage. Repeating this passage brings me peace. What would be the action piece in this. As I read the aside/commentary portion that goes with this Book of 1 Thessalonians, it offers suggestions on how we can encourage, praise and build up others. Here are the 3 suggestions:

1. Use positive, uplifting language. Crude, vulgar, "downward" language and swearing does not bring peace to anyone's ear. Such speech will only draw attention away from Christ and does nothing to encourage others. This makes sense now... more recently, I have been rather annoyed and repulsed by others who use foul language. It is all because it makes me feel like I am not loved, deflated and discouraged... why would I want to make someone else feel like that?


2. Listen intently, before formulating an opinion and speaking aloud. Take a genuine interest to listen to others. God will give us wisdom and words to say to uplift another person - we are the body of Christ, we are connected to "God's" ears, heart and mind. Even James instructs us to be quick to listen and slow to speak (James 1:19)... I actually think I do a good of job of this. I am also very atuned to what others do and find myself wanting to make others "listen" before they speak. By allowing someone to share their story without being interrupted not only demonstrates respect, but more importantly it brings a sense of peace and allows for one to hear the Holy Spirit. I find that our minds are so BUSY, that we neglect to hear the spirit speak.


3. Strive to honour Christ in what you say. Hmmm... bless or encourage others by pointing them to Christ. We should use "words suitable for the occasion, which God can use to help others". This is more of a challenge for me. But this is where I can become an effective witness and warrior for Christ. If a friend opens up about pain and hurt in their life, I should show compassion and tell them about my pain and how Christ cushioned my hurt. As a follower of Christ, I should go that "extra mile" to make our conversations more meaningful. This will only lead to develop stronger deeper friendships and we would be effective witnesses for the Lord.

These are great steps that I can take to become a better encourager and witness. I ask God to give me the courage to step up to this challenge of refraining from saying things that don't bring glory to God and to say things that would draw them closer to Christ.

To Serve Humbly and To Shout Out God's Name

Luke 22:24-30
From the Last Supper
In this world, we have rulers and bosses, people who order others around. In the kingdom of Christ, the one who has the greatest power serves his people. This tells me that our God is a loving one. If I am to follow Christ, I am to follow His example. I am to serve others regardless of my "status" and to serve with a humble heart as an extension of His love for me. If this passage were alive in me, I would serve others with a smile and go above and beyond what is expected of me, not thinking about "personal gain". I believe God is telling me to not let others change who I am. In reflecting back, I have been serving others with a humber heart, but I know that my judgement has been clouded and I know that I have not been serving the way Christ would want me to. I thank God for this message and I pray for strength and for forgiveness for I have strayed off the path...

1 Thessalonians 2:14-3:4
From Paul Remembering His Visit
Paul emphasizes that God is our pride and joy. Non-believers will persecute us for leading others to Christ. This passage tells me that the road to follow Jesus, is not an easy one, but God is worth it. I must be more courageous and let God work through me. Do not resist, and listen for God's voice. God is showing me this because I have been chickening out... instead of being an "open" Christian, I have become a "closet" Christian. I do not act like a proud follower of Christ at work. I morph into the "social norm". I ask God for courage to be His witness and wisdom with His word to share with others and protection from the evil one at work.