Now this is what I'm thinking about:
"But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you-- from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted. Friends, this world is not your home, so don't make yourselves cozy in it. Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they'll be won over to God's side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives." 1 Peter 2:9-12 The Message
I know this is true because so often I find myself feeling not at home here. I have a yearning for home that fills me and overwhelms me at times. I am certainly not cozy here. But I also know that it's not time to go home yet because there's still so much to do here. So much light to shine, love to share, salt to sprinkle. I only want to be obedient to this command to do his work and speak out for him. I want to tell others of the night-and-day difference he has made for me. Because he has. I am not the same person I was six short years ago. I am completely changed. And I want that for others. I want to share the joy I have in him. I want to stand out in a crowd and have people wonder what in the world is up with her. I want it to be so evident that they will not rest until they know what it is and they will be not inclined, but driven to ask. And I want to not shrink back at that point, at that moment, I want to tell them what it is they need to hear, not what they want to hear. And therein lies the difference. There was a time when I only spoke what I thought you would want to hear. Now I want to speak truth. I want to share the wonder of a life filled up with love and peace - his life. I want to emulate him in such a way that others want him too. So, I'm going out today and it will be fun to see in what ways God will shine through me. I love him so very much.
4 comments:
Hey..I love him too!!
I can't wait to hear about your adventures!
By the way, He has shined a bright light through you, to me!!
Excellent, Candy. I love that passge of 1 Peter in The Message. And what you said about longing for heaven but having a job to do here on earth -- very good. And yet it's not a job but a privilege -- to be a shining light for Jesus. And doing so out of joy, not as a burden or duty.
As Paul says somewhere in his letters, "The love of Christ compels us..."
Jim
Thank you, I really needed this today!
Barbara
Hey Mrs. Gilbert- I am the same Mandy that does Faith Decision. I love Max he has been a great kid to have in class. I am looking forward to meeting you wednesday. Thank you for you sweet comments on my blog. See ya soon!
~Mandy
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