One Thing that struck me this summer is the power of example. Often, I hear among believers that they don’t know how to preach or even speak about what they believe. I would concur because when I was younger, I was afraid to speak to my friends or random people about my beliefs. People would ask and, because I did not know how to explain what being a disciple of Christ was very effectively, I would avoid the question and mumble something about being a Christian.
Being a follower of Christ involves more than just words to that effect. It involves action. As the old saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words?’ We remember Jesus says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16)
Our actions are a way of preaching without words. We can set a positive example for all those around us. Be compassionate, forgiving, loving and caring. Act uprightly as Jesus walked before his Father.
Jesus also says in the gospel of John, “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). It is not enough to speak of believing, one must take that belief and put it into action. In each of our own small ways within our everyday lives, we can let our lives shine like a thousand torches, lighting the way so that others may see the grace of our Lord.
This is by no means an easy task or a small thing. Separately we are weak, but united we are strong with Jesus as the head of the body. As the body works together so should we. One torch in the black of night is just a small light and not terribly bright. Imagine a thousand or 10 times a thousand; the brilliance is incredible. In the way that many torches light the night sky, so can we help each other in the path of discipleship. There are many distractions along the way and the pressure is always to fit in. It is much easier to keep one’s head down and muck along, but we are called to be separate, to be lights in the world.
It is amazing to me to see the power of action, amazing to see the wonderment and the change in someone when he/she sees a group of young Bible believers just being themselves. The positive effect of that change makes you feel good inside, knowing that by just being the Word, you can make a difference. The difference can be made even in someone you had no idea would be interested in the word of God. Everyday action becomes a powerful way to spread the word to those who might listen. It doesn’t involve knocking on doors, distributing leaflets, making great speeches in the town square, or even debating. It is the power of everyday life as an example to those most likely to listen, the people who know you.
For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ (II Cor 4:6).
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One