DO OTHERS KNOW YOU ARE A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
(Matthew 4:19)

MEDITATION:
Do you remember the first time you went fishing? You got all your
‘stuff’ ready, hooked up your boat, and went to the easy chair in the
den and started fishing, right? It doesn’t work like that, does it? The
fish don’t come to where we live; we must go to where they live. 

Jesus established the method for becoming fishers of men. He didn’t
sit by passively and let those who happened to be interested in His
teaching, come to Him. He went to where the sick, the sorrowing,
and the sad were, and shared His message of salvation, healing,
and joy.

Even at a young age, He went to the Temple and ‘taught’ the doctors
and lawyers who were entrenched in old traditions. Wherever He
went He challenged, He uprooted (pulled others out of sinful ruts),
and He changed people.

Jesus was the first missionary, and He challenged His followers to be
missionaries too. Does that mean believers should be out knocking on
doors or going to foreign countries? It could mean that for some, but
it could also mean that His followers should simply share their faith
freely and at every opportunity.

Some of His followers keep their faith contained within the walls of the
church (and sadly, some don’t keep it contained there because they seldom
or never attend worship services). Some have never shared their testimony
with others as a way of promoting the blessings of a fellowship with Jesus.

God wants us to be bold and unashamed about our faith. Something
as simple as praying in public before a meal can be a testimony of our
faith for others to see. Our character, morals, ethics, language and
attitudes are open expressions of the validity and sincerity of our faith.

ACTION:
Questions to consider:
    – Do I take seriously the expectations of Jesus for His followers?
    – Did I expect God to want me to participate in His ministry
       when He gave me His gift of salvation?
    – If I were on trial for being a follower of Jesus, what evidence would
       others bring to prove my faith in our Lord and Savior is genuine?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me Your gift of salvation.
Thank You for valuing me enough to ask me to participate in Your
earthly ministry. Forgive me if I have failed to take my faith ‘to the
streets’. Help me to become bold and unashamed to show my faith
to others. Teach me the importance of becoming more like You so
my character, morals, ethics, language and attitude will become a
testimony of my faith in You.”

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