Being what we wish to see

“Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ.  To Him belong the glory and the power forever and ever.  Amen.”  1 Peter 4:11

Every single word.  Every single act.  What we do and what we say reflects what is within us and must also be a reflection of what we wish to see.  Granted there are those times when our human inclinations overtake us, when we respond angrily to something or to someone who pushes our buttons; but this is where Grace steps in.  Grace does not excuse our behavior or angry words nor does Grace insinuate there is no need to seek forgiveness from our Lord and from those whom we lash out at.  Rather, Grace from Above reminds us our Lord has not given up on us even while others just might. 

So Peter is reminding The Lord’s faithful that our witness is not in a single statement by which we try to illicit a response such as, ‘Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior?’  No, first those whom we come into contact with want to know whether Christ Jesus is our Lord and Savior, for our Lord Himself speaks, “You will know them by their fruit” (Matthew 7:15-20).  And not just “them”; “us”, too!

It is not hard to look around and see so many who have given up all hope.  They’ve lost faith in the Church, they’ve lost faith in their government, and they’ve lost faith in one another.  There is too much anger, too much resentment toward so many who are (or were) in a position to make a positive impact on the people around them, but that opportunity was blown because we are often too connected to our own culture and our own ways.  Too often we are more fixated on what is wrong and have overlooked or forgotten altogether all that is right!

But just as we all need to see goodness, justice, and mercy in our own lives, let us remember there are others who need it as well.  And since our Source of Goodness, Mercy, and Justice has vowed never to forsake His faithful, let us not forsake Him nor those whom He also loves.  Let us speak “the very words of God” and serve faithfully “with the strength God supplies”.  The Word assures us we will not be disappointed!

The Lord is great, is He not?

Michael