Faith Showing

When I was  a teenager, a common rhetorical question was "If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?"

At the time, many people were convinced that The USSR was going to conquer the US and make  Christianity illegal. Maybe now the question needs updating.  How about "If people looked at your Facebook page, minus the line about religious beliefs,  could they tell you are a Christian?" Or maybe not. There are still, or perhaps again, plenty of people who think that our faith is going to be made illegal for one reason or another.

Either way, I have found the question a useful one to reflect on. Can people tell I am a Christian? Does it show in my daily life, my words and and my actions? As I post and like and reply am I  treating others as I would want to be treated? Giving a good impression of Christ? Refraining from things that dishonor Him? Do my photos show me doing what is right? Even when I an not intentionally taking a stand for Jesus does my faith show through? It should if it is real.

It's not about being constantly "religious" in what I say. And I don't want my page or my blog to  be depressing! I love Billy Joel but I never liked his line "I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints." Real saints do plenty of laughing! It's about living a life that portrays Christ.

As I said, I have found this a useful tool for watching my life and helping me to grow.

How about you? What useful tools do you have for meditating on your faith and spiritual growth?

Letting them know

"You say we are friends. Once in a while, remind me. Just tell me, 'I like hanging out with you.' Or, 'You fill this niche in my life. I am glad you are the one to do it.' Or even -- dare I ask it?--'I love you.' It will mean the world to me. I will try to do the same for you." 


Is there a friend of yours out there whom you haven't told lately that they are important to you? I know it's often said that wee would tell the people we love what they mean to us. Now's as good a time as any to act on that advice.


So who do you need to talk to?




"Loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty."
~~Mother Theresa

                                                                      

                                                                             Image by vorakorn kanokpipat

Talking to Pavers

A while back I was responsible for having some paving done at a building. Other people helped me choose and hire the contractor, but I was the one who kept tabs on the progress and checked in with the workers every day. I'd ask how things were going, take them water and keep an eye on things. No big deal.

Apparently, though, at least one person thought I was either brave or foolish. See, the men who worked for this contractor would generally be considered tough-looking and their language was a bit salty.

Still, I never gave a second thought to it. I mean, they were working for me right? Anyway, when they were talking to me they spoke very respectfully, even calling me "ma'am".

Looks can be deceiving. I really don't think I was in danger. But somebody did and says they never would have gone out to talk to them.

Well, then they would have missed the explanation as to why we couldn't drive on the lot for a couple extra days, and a few friendly conversations as well.

How do we get past looks as a way of determining whether to speak to someone or not?