"Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?
Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart."
2 Corinthians 3:1-3
This is Paul saying that we, as believers, are what the whole world sees of Christ's gospel. We are the "the epistle of Christ" ... his letter to the world, written on our hearts. And if we are representatives of Christ to that degree, I think this is a really good reminder of how we should conduct ourselves. We're the examples that people see of what Christ's gospel can do, and that is a big responsibility. When Christ tells us to let our light shine (Matthew 5:16), he also mentions that we should be doing good works, not just standing there and looking good. :) It is the same idea here. If we're letters from Christ, then how do we want people to read us? If people can't observe us and see Christ in our lives, then maybe there are some things that we should change. Instead of trying to blend in with the world and be the same, maybe we should embrace some differences. Dressing modestly, avoiding profanity, and so much more... these are strengths, not burdensome limitations. These are the ways that we carry Christ's message to the world. He asks us to be different, to stand separate, to show the world what the gospel can do for us... not to alienate others, but to invite them to partake of his gospel and goodness for themselves. And so here is a good question to ask ourselves today: What *has* the gospel done for us? How has it changed us, or helped us? And how can we broadcast that message just by living our lives?
Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart."
2 Corinthians 3:1-3
This is Paul saying that we, as believers, are what the whole world sees of Christ's gospel. We are the "the epistle of Christ" ... his letter to the world, written on our hearts. And if we are representatives of Christ to that degree, I think this is a really good reminder of how we should conduct ourselves. We're the examples that people see of what Christ's gospel can do, and that is a big responsibility. When Christ tells us to let our light shine (Matthew 5:16), he also mentions that we should be doing good works, not just standing there and looking good. :) It is the same idea here. If we're letters from Christ, then how do we want people to read us? If people can't observe us and see Christ in our lives, then maybe there are some things that we should change. Instead of trying to blend in with the world and be the same, maybe we should embrace some differences. Dressing modestly, avoiding profanity, and so much more... these are strengths, not burdensome limitations. These are the ways that we carry Christ's message to the world. He asks us to be different, to stand separate, to show the world what the gospel can do for us... not to alienate others, but to invite them to partake of his gospel and goodness for themselves. And so here is a good question to ask ourselves today: What *has* the gospel done for us? How has it changed us, or helped us? And how can we broadcast that message just by living our lives?
We can simply show our love for God by following his teachings ... doing it because we have a true and sincere heart, not seeking recognition or praise because we did something good, but because we truly love the Lord and want to support him. Furthermore, we attend church because of our love for him, our desire to serve him, support him, and learn how to improve ourselves (not only to be a better servant, but also to bring happiness to our own being).
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. I am not saying that we should worship or believe FOR other people. I am just saying that God asks us to be a light to the world, and the way we live our lives can be that. :)
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