What do people see when they look at you? What are you doing when they’re watching you? What are you saying when they’re hearing you???
One reason why we should be mindful of the things we do or say is because others are watching. Not only should our lives be pleasing to and glorifying God, but we should also be examples of Christ to others. How do you think God feels when you’re talking about professing His name and then turn around and start cussing people out on facebook, in the grocery store or in traffic? When you profess His name and say He is your Savior, everything that comes after should line up. We’re not always going to get things right, but that’s when you need to work to get it right. Knowing you’re not always going to get things right is not an excuse to always do things wrong.
It is just amazing what affect your actions have on others when you do finally get things right. Let me give you an example. I had always had road rage real bad since before I was even driving (lol). By the time I was in college, I was so bad at it I would follow people that cut me off just to scare them. Every turn they made, I made too and was right on their tail! I even did this to cops! Pulling out in front of me was obviously a pet peeve of mine! But I was terrible, too. I would yell and scream at people, give them dirty looks, or cut around them and blowing my horn angrily and slam on breaks when I got back in front of them. It was awful. I had a friend with me one night and this person just pulled out in front of me without looking and I STAYED on their tail! My friend began to get scared and she kept telling me to stop, but my anger was fueled and I was determined to teach this person to be a better driver…but wait, aren’t I acting worst than they are??????? Hmmmmm….
I was so angry and had a point to prove and it wasn’t doing anything but making me worst than the people I was upset with and scaring the people around me. It wasn’t cute nor funny. I had to ask God to help me with my anger. One day, I finally got sick of the music I was listening to. It wasn’t me. Never was. I turned the radio off right then and there. After a few weeks, I noticed my road rage was like…GONE! I became more understanding with the other drivers on the road and although they do crazy things that I can’t figure out why, I continue to thank God for keeping me safe and allowing me to respond quickly to get out of the way or avoid being hit. And that’s the thing…it’s all about giving God ALL the glory! Someone cuts you off and you avoid hitting them, “Lord, I thank you for keeping me safe when that car just pulled out! Lord, keep them safe as they continue down the highways!” Ephesians 5:1-21 talks about being imitators of Christ and describes how to do that! The Word tells us how!!
Another friend rode with me recently and I was not even thinking about my driving. I just wanted to make sure we got where we needed to go safely with the help of the Lord! But she admired my calm driving even when someone had cut us off. And the thing is, I don’t even remember someone cutting us off! I didn’t even realize she was even paying attention to my reactions! (People are watching when you don’t even know it, that’s why you have to make sure you’re in line with the Word even when you’re not thinking about it! It should be your everyday life!) But that moment helped to exemplify God’s love and how it should be in us. Others should be able to look at the body of Christ and feel that they can improve too and see that living the fruits of the Spirit is awesome! It really is! I say all of this just to say, be mindful of what you let in your spirit (music, tv, movies) because it will come out and instead of being angry and upset, thank God for getting you through, that you survived! Be mindful of these things because others are watching you and sometimes just your actions, reactions and just how you live your life is enough to win some hearts over to Christ! So if you believe in Christ and that He is your Savior and you are professing that, then your everyday life needs to show it. Your life needs to produce those fruits. (Galatians 5:22-23)
I am careful about what plays in my car, how I dress, what I say, and how I say things because I don’t want people to be confused because our God is not a god of confusion. When people see and hear me, I don’t want them wondering “is she saved???” They should be able to tell a child of God without that person having to tell them “I’m a child of God!” Your fruits will do all of the talking. That’s why you can say all you want, but your actions are saying something totally different. And people are going to look at your actions and compare them to what comes out of your mouth. If they don’t match up, you’ve just made a liar out of yourself and you’re putting God’s name on it???
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 It’s all about giving ALL the glory to God!!!
Amy M.
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