10-22-18<\/p>\n
This admonition, \u201cShare the Gospel. If necessary, use words,\u201d has been attributed to Francis of Assisi, Mother Teresa, and many others. Its meaning is clear and profound. <\/p>\n
Its message is so fundamental to life and relationships that its application spreads to less \u2013 and to more \u2013 than evangelizing Christianity. <\/p>\n
But it seems scarcely less significant, and somehow easy to forget, that in all matters we are being seen by our fellow human beings. Family, friends, strangers. When we do not realize it. Even when others do not intend to study our actions. But we are seen; we are judged; we are, often remembered.<\/p>\n
The Bible tells us, in Hebrews Chapter 11, that we are always surrounded by a \u201cgreat cloud\u201d of heavenly witnesses, cheering us on in our faith walk, and runs, and life-challenges. However and moreover, our families, children, neighbors, and unknown eyes see us too. Watch us. And sometimes subliminally, sometimes directly, they learn from us.<\/p>\n
This situation might be more vital than in any time of the history that we know. The faithful and secular alike realize that we live in a time when organized religion, the institutional church, and traditional spirituality in general are of diminished importance, at least in our Western culture. The reasons are many, and of disputed origin, but my purpose here is not to debate the Why. Let us deal with the Fact. And the Effect.<\/p>\n
Character has been defined as what you do when nobody is watching. That is a useful aphorism too. But there are some people who do not care how they score on \u201ccharacter quizzes.\u201d The point is that we influence others \u2013 beyond revealing our standards \u2013 whether we realize it or not. And that is something we should care about at all times and in all places. <\/p>\n
We are all a part of society, and should be conscious that our roles extend beyond our selves. Our children surely learn more from noticing our actions than listening to our lectures. No different with spouses, neighbors, co-workers\u2026 up life\u2019s ladder to God Himself.<\/p>\n
A Biblical summary of these principles is found in James (1:22) \u2013 \u201cBe ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sharing the Gospel is not a memory quiz. It should be seen as Performance Art.<\/p>\n
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