Luke 3:12-14
When tax collectors came to be baptized, they asked John, “Teacher, what should we do?”
John told them, “Don’t make people pay more than they owe.”
Some soldiers asked him, “And what about us? What do we have to do?”
John told them, “Don’t force people to pay money to make you leave them alone. Be satisfied with your pay.”
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
The
children in Timothy’s Sunday school class have been studying the book
of James this month – in particular, James 1:22…”But be doers of the
word, and not hearers only…” We have talked each Sunday about how
important it is to learn what God wants for us…and to put it into
action.
So as we look at these verses from James 1 and Luke 3 -
and think about our own lives - we may sometimes wonder, “How will we
convince people that we have really changed? What about the person who
knew us ‘back in the day’…how will he/she ever believe that we are a new
creature in Christ? How can we be sure that others see Jesus in our
everyday living?”
The answer lies in John’s response to the tax
collectors and soldiers…demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus in
how you live – and how you treat others. Be doers of the Word. You
have to go the extra mile, do the right thing, and conduct yourself in a
manner that honors Jesus in all things.
Too many “Christians”
accepted Jesus’ gift of salvation…then went right back to their old
habits. They still gossip, discriminate, call people names, take bribes
and overcharge. They gripe and complain about everything from their job
to the weather. Their circle of friends and the influences in their
lives have not changed - and neither have their attitudes. Most
observers would be hard-pressed to say that any transformation has
occurred in these people…that Jesus has really made any difference in
their lives.
It is one thing to say, “I’ve given my heart to
Jesus…but it is totally another to demonstrate this in our daily
living.” The tiniest details are what will make a real difference for
God’s Kingdom. We can attend worship services on Sundays and participate
in weekly Bible study groups…carry our Bibles…quote scripture…do
“mission work” and listen to “Christian” music.
We can wear our
crosses and drive cars with bumper stickers that say, “Honk if you love
Jesus.” We can post those memes on social media about loving Jesus and
believing in God. But none of this makes us a true Christian disciple.
If our attitude and even SOME of our actions do not line up with God’s
word and will - and the teachings of Jesus – our “witness” is
contaminated.
Examine your daily living – every thought, word
and action. See if what you are demonstrating represents true Christian
discipleship – and glorifies Jesus. Make His teachings on attitudes and actions your
daily habits. If second and third graders can learn to be “doers of the
Word,” surely we adults can do the same. Are you with me?
©2016 Debbie Robus
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