R U Living for Christ?

If you have ever been a parent, you have probably heard the old saying that "More is caught than taught" when it comes to raising our kids. Simply put... it means they are watching your every move!

I was reminded of that today as I read my devotion and the Scripture passage from Titus 2:6-7 that reads, "Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.  Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity,  dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned."

I recall a moment with our daughter that taught me this lesson so well. Alyson was not quiet two years old when we took a vacation in North Carolina along the Outer Banks and stopped in the small fishing village of Oriental to spend the night. We checked in to a cute little motel and as we preceded to carry in our luggage my wife and I keep saying , "This is Nice; this is really Nice!!!" After unpacking our bags, we put Alyson in her stroller and proceeded to walk around the town to stretch our legs and see the sights. About a hour later, when we re-entered our room with Alyson securely held in her Dad's arms, she  glowingly announced, "This is nice; this is really nice!"  My wife and I both burst into laughter, but in that moment, I knew that she would be watching her Mom and Dad and that she would learn what we lived in front of her each day of her young life...and now that she is almost 25, the same is still true.

So what's the point of this story for each of us on an individual level? Simply put...someone is ALWAYS  watching what you do; what you say; how you treat others. And if you profess to be a believer in Jesus Christ, they are judging Him by who you are in front of them. None of us have the luxury of living life in a dark room where all our secrets can remain hidden. Instead, our lives are on display to all those we encounter...at home, at church, in the boardroom or in the checkout line at the supermarket.

If we truly want to make a difference in the lives of those we love and those we have some influence over, then we must do everything within our power to live a life of self control that is a model of good works done in the name of our Lord and Savior. When we live like this we can be sure that God receives the glory and we receive the peace that passes all understanding.

Ralph Waldo Emerson penned this thought from a more secular perspective but it bears repeating... 

"What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say."

What is your life saying today about your Savior and how much you love him? I trust it screams at the top of your lungs, "I LOVE JESUS WITH ALL MY HEART AND I SERVE HIM WITH ALL THAT I AM OR HOPE TO BE!"

Living Center Stage....Bringing Glory to the Father,

WPQ

Poem for the Day:

We should follow Christ’s example

With everyone we meet…

We should seek to show compassion

For we are His hands and feet.

For Christ would have us working

To care for those distraught;

To give ourselves unselfishly

Is what our Savior taught.

WPQ@ October 2010