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DID ANYONE MEET CHRIST TODAY?
Today I'd like to start by asking a question, "DID ANYONE MEET CHRIST TODAY?"
We read about the life of Christ in the gospels, and see the impact that he had on the people he met. What he said and what he did. His patience, his understanding, and his helpfulness to those in need.
Now, we meet people every day, and each one gets an impression of us and what we stand for. This will happen at work, at play, at services, anywhere!
What standard do we set? The standard that we are to live up to, is of course, Christ, and living up to that standard is an all day, every day activity.
So how can the principles of that standard be inculcated in ourselves, so that we can put them into practice in our lives.
Let's turn to and read REV 3:20 ....... Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.
Christ is knocking. We can think of this as purely spiritual only, applying to another group or another time, or we can see that all scripture is given for our instruction , and personalise it.
We can think of it as happening every day as we rise and pray to God. Christ is knocking, wanting to renew his personal relationship with us. And as we invite him in, so our day starts and our walk with Christ continues.
But you know, this same thing happens when ever we meet someone. Christ is knocking! Does he get a chance to fellowship through us? Does he get an opportunity to help? Does he get a chance to love? Does he get an opportunity to bring his peace? It is from Christ that the ability and willingness to work to his standard comes.
We talk of having freedom in the new covenant, but what is that freedom to be used for?
Let's turn to Gal 5:13-14 and read it.
So Christians will be leaving a good first and last impression; of being there for others; of doing good works; of helping all people, and especially those in the household of faith.
These can be small acts of mercy; a helping hand; a visit or a phone call; or any way of filling a need. In any way that we can encourage and build up those around us and especially the body of Christ! You see God is looking for those who are faithful - even in a little.
The Christian isn't just waiting for the big occasion or the big problem, to show what she can do. The Christian wants to help in as many little ways as she can, so that it does not become a big problem!!
So in every way, God's people will be approachable, making a way for Christ to impact on the world around.
Then, since they are under Christ, when they are approached, they will be open to the guidance of his Spirit, to do their part when needed.
As Christ's followers we will be recognisable, to those who have eyes to see (insight), by the impression that we leave.
Our steps will be on the same path that he trod. As John reminds us in 1 John 2:5-6 ..... (following in his footsteps for right and truth)
So at the start of the day when he knocks, let's ask Christ to come into our hearts and our mind, and to guide us (by the Holy Spirit whom He sent for that very purpose) through the day. To provide the ability to give those good impressions of Christ's love to all.
To do the acts of kindness which fulfill the needs that we come across this day.
Then, at the end of the day, when we review what has happened, and we think of all the people that we met; the old, the very young, the youths, the adults. When we think of the things that we did, let's ask ourselves this question, every day, and especially as the end of the age approaches, and be able to answer it positively....
DID ANYONE MEET CHRIST IN US TODAY?
Attlee.
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