Café Chat May 2nd

Today's topic:

"In the eyes of the world, it is not our relationship with Jesus Christ that counts; it is our resemblance to him!" (Ray Stedman &/or Charles Swindoll)

When you read the quote above, especially the last part of the quote, do you agree with the author or disagree? Why did you answer the way you did?

I agree with the author.

"In the eyes of the world" is key. I recently noted that God is following us on Twitter and Facebook. Meanwhile, anyone with Internet access can see what you have to say, whether they are "following" you or not. How will the eyes of the world see you?

I am striving to be one person, presenting one face and one voice to the world. I will not let myself be satisfied with a life of Sunday morning Christianity. I will not seek popularity in the blogosphere, Twitter, Facebook, the workplace, home, etc. and thereby sacrifice who I am. I am a child of God, adopted into His family. He chose me and has a purpose for me.

The more openly I talk about my relationship with God, about my faith...the more important it is to live it! The world loves to call out hypocrites. We cannot be perfect as Christ is perfect, but we can live our life in relationship with Him, loving Him and seeking Him in all things. If we love everyone as He loved everyone, we will go a long way toward resembling Him.

My last post was a witness to my search for wisdom. I wanted to ensure that my response to the situation at work reflected my faith and my life in Christ. My prayer for guidance was answered, "Say what you need to say." So I did. I said it lovingly, with patience. After a reasonably healthy conversation about an assignment, I asked "Can we have a heart to heart? I've been praying about this every day. I want to address this openly, with a pure heart."

I prayed an "arrow prayer" before I changed the subject. I'd asked others to pray for me/us. My Twitter/Facebook status read "ignoring the lies and seeking the voice of Truth." He said he had also been praying about it. I believe him. We are both seeking to obey God's will for us.

For myself, I stayed calm, patient, focused on the aspects that we could address, avoiding the past which we cannot change. I felt the Spirit with us. I don't know where things will go with this situation but I will continue to seek guidance throughout the day, letting the Spirit direct me. Being humble and removing my will from the equation and seeking only to serve Him. Listening and obeying, even if I don't understand the strategy or see the value of my actions.

I just realized! This is the message I was delivering Friday! Coincidence? I don't think so.

Praise God, for all that he does for us in our lives.