DO OTHERS KNOW YOU ARE A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST?

SCRIPTURE:
“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 of your ‘stuff’ ready, then sat in your den and fished, right?
It doesn’t work like that, does it?
The fish don’t come to where you live; you have to go to where they live.

Jesus established the method for becoming fishers of men.
He did not sit by passively 
and let those who happened to be interested in His teaching come to Him.
He went out where the sick, the sorrowing, and the sad were, 
and shared His message of joy, healing, and salvation. 
Even at a young age, He went to the Temple and “taught” 
the doctors and lawyers who were entrenched in the old traditions. 
Wherever He went He challenged, uprooted, and 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.
Too many of His followers keep their faith contained within the walls of 
the church (sadly, some do not keep it contained there because they 
seldom or never attend worship services).

He wants us to be bold and unashamed about our faith.
Something as simple as 
praying in public before a meal is a testimony of our faith to others.
Our character, morals, ethics, language 
and attitude all attest to validity of our faith.

ACTION:
Do you take seriously the expectations of Jesus for His followers?
Did you expect Him to want you to participate in His ministry 
when He gave you His gift of salvation?
If you were on trial for being a follower of Jesus, 
what evidence would others bring against you for proof?

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 
that my character, morals, ethics, language and attitude will be a 
testimony of my faith in You.”