be the message

I read this on Facebook the other day and it got me thinking. How many years have I lived my life expecting that just because I said I am a christian that it was enough? That because I went to church and read my bible that people were somehow impacted by that? I know I have spent the better part of my life in blissful ignorance of whether or not I was even impacting another person for God.

I wasn't always so lazy in my faith. I was saved as a teenager and was very active in my church and talked about my love for God all the time. But over time, my enthusiasm waned. And that's not all, as I matured I became more and more aware of people who did not appreciate my attempts to "save" them. Without making a conscious decision I slowly stopped sharing my faith, stopped living my faith. And that led where it always leads, to a life that has wandered away from God.

It's almost the New Year. A time for resolutions, for rededicating yourself to  the things you let slip in the previous year (or years). So, I am going to take this opportunity to rededicate myself to being the message. I don't have to preach, I don't have to get my bible and beat the "unsaved" with it. I just have to do my best to live the life that God has given me in the way that he directs. And he will do the rest.

Father,

 I thank you for this word, this reminder that I am called to live a life that reflects your love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. I ask that you walk with me through each day and keep my eyes focused on the path. I am human, I am weak. I am so easily distracted and led astray. I need you. Help me to be the best reflection of you I can be. Help me to live your message, to be your message to the world. Amen