From the Pastor
What marks you as someone who serves God? How could someone who meets you for the first time discern that you are a believer?
Some people make special commitments to God by living out particular disciplines, such as daily structured times of prayer or Bible reading. Some people may abstain from specific foods or from an activity. Nazirites neither cut their hair nor ate or drank any product of the vine. Do you wear a cross around your neck, or say such things as “God bless you” or “I’ll keep you in my prayers” or “Praise God?” Jewish men wear yamulkes when worshipping in the synagogue or at special family celebrations. Orthodox Jewish women wear scarves on their heads and wigs. Many of us attend church services on Sunday mornings or light the Shabbat candles on Friday evenings and worship at synagogue on Saturday mornings.
These are some of the outward signs of a religious life. What are the inner markings that show you as someone who serves God? What is the evidence in your life that proves you are a believer?
Do you tithe to your church to support its missions and ministries? Do you designate a portion of your time to engage in the activities of your church? Do you participate in a group Bible study? Do you think of ways in which the church can “stretch out” and serve others in the broader community? Do you help feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit with the sick? Are the words you use in conversation full of grace? Do you come to worship with a heart prepared to praise and give thanks to God? Are you seeking to be more like Christ and abide in Him?
Hopefully, when we meet people for the first time, they can soon tell that we are Spirit-filled and walk in the grace of Christ. Hopefully, it shows in the light that emanates from us. That light is the best invitation to others to come along and walk with us on our journey of faith. May your light shine brightly! Praise God to that end.
Grace and peace,
