Nov20

"Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." 2 Corinthians 3:3-6

Scripture reminds us that as Christians we are living letters that others read. Our speech and conduct, the principles for which we stand, the ethics we follow, the hopes and ideals we express, and whatever else constitutes our life expresses whether Christ lives within our hearts and whether we live in Him. People study our lives as though they were reading a book. And what they see and hear through and in us either attracts them to Christ or repels them from Christ.

Paul gave God the credit for all his accomplishments. While the false teachers boasted of their own power and success, Paul expressed his humility before God. No one then, and no one today can claim to be adequate without God's help. No one is competent to carry out the responsibilities of God's calling in his or her own strength. Thus, without the Holy Spirit's enabling, we can only do so much. As Christ's witnesses, we need the character and special strength that only God provides. We must be mindful that people are attracted to Christ as they see Him at work in His followers. As Christ speaks of us as being the light of the world, He encourages us to let that light of our Christian faith shine before all people.

Application:
Being disciples of Christ goes beyond attending worship services and contributing our material wealth for the work of the church. We live in a lost and dying world, and by God's marvelous grace we need to involve ourselves in dedicating our lives to Him. As we glorify Him in all we do and say, those lost souls will see the light that shines in us through Christ.

May God bless you with a wonderful day as the Lord makes you a legible and living letter of His mercy, love, and grace.

Love in Christ,
Sandy