The complete stranger found me on facebook and messaged me to thank me for bringing one of her best friends to church twenty years ago. Had I not done that, the friend would not have become a Christian ( and probably would no longer still be alive) and the writer of the message would have missed out on a friendship and fellowship which has blessed her alot over the years. She wanted to thank me and let me know that my actions in caring for people have ripples which go outwards and affect others. To say I was touched by this message was an understatement
Then today someone gave me an Easter card with a lovely message in it. And again I was touched. And happy that I have friends who like and appreciate me.
We all need encouragement. We are not very good at it in our culture - possibly because we fear being seen as insincere. Possibly because we are even worse at receiving a compliment than we are at giving one. And nobody wants to have their kind words batted back at them so sometimes its safer not to bother. But we ought to be positive, encouraging, upbuilding and kind. In this world where so much is negative and critical we need to be the voice of Jesus bringing wisdom and hope and peace. There are so many lies out there. Truth is one of the most powerful weapons we have in our armoury and we need to use it all the time - especially when we are talking to people whos self esteem has been crushed by the lies of the enemy. We also need to accept encouragement when it comes our way. There is no place for false modesty in the kingdom of God.
If people see good things in me or appreciate things I have done it's because God has been at work in me. As I get older I see more and more clearly that no good thing dwells in me apart from Him. My nature is to be lazy and grumpy and selfish and unkind. In many ways Im getting worse as I get older!! But there is the living presence of God in me who is unbelievably good and generous and kind and wise and understanding. He is patient and committed and reliable. None of that is in me. But occasionally some of those things which He is, seep out of me and touch other people. I know this is true. I know that I am sometimes a blessing to those around me. And I also really and genuinely know that it is because of who He is, not because of who I am.
We are the hands and feet and voice of Jesus until He comes back. We might not realise the effect we are having or the distance the ripples go out from our lives and actions, but He will have the glory and His kingdom will come on this earth - through us. There are people all over the place who today are deeply thankful that you exist. People who have been changed because they met you. People who have taken steps closer to God because they have seen the nature of Jesus living in you. Rather than feel awkward about that, lets just be glad that He can take flawed sinners like us and use us for His greater purposes.
No comments:
Post a Comment