Good morning
We each have a reputation for something, whether we know it or not. Today’s Holy Nougat invites us to consider our reputation as believers.
“for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.”
Philippians 1:5 NLT
Now that’s a very good reputation for a believer to have! Imagine the comments –
“Those folks, don’t hang with them. They’re too Holy. Forever preoccupied with telling us about that Jesus person they worship. Not worth your time.”
Or
“They’re so kind! I was in a bind, and didn’t know what to do or where to turn. Next thing I know, those folks (s/he) showed up, offered to help; got me sorted out and disappeared before I could even offer to pay. I wonder what caused them to be like that!”
Maybe even
“I heard you tell others you are a Christian and knowing you from back in the day; I’ve been watching to see if you are the real deal. You’ve changed. Your attitude has shifted and even your demeanor is different.”
Or
“When I heard you became a … (pastor or evangelist or deacon/elder or missionary), I wasn’t surprised. For the zeal you have for sharing God’s mercy and love with others is evident everywhere you are. You even act with integrity like you think that someone is watching.”
Unfortunately, we often lose our zeal after a crisis or trials, seemingly forgetful that it’s in those moments that our faith TRULY speaks to others. Throughout my nephew’s illness keeping strong was somewhat easy. I literally had a Living hope. When he died, the crisis came. I had to decide Who I believe and whether my ‘Who’ was worth proclaiming about. One encouragement came from someone noting how strong my nephew’s parents’ Faith was. I drew strength from their faith to trust my ‘Who’ and continue to declare God’s faithfulness.
It’s not a competition for evangelizing; it’s us finding the strength to go on, to proclaim Christ as our Who we believe BECAUSE we are persuaded that He is able to keep every single one of us – for that’s His commitment to God – until the day of reconciliation with Him.
That’s part of the Good News I share with others. What’s yours?
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
