What'd ya say?

There are not a lot of people in my life that I have to 'speak for', but when I was raising my kids, I had to be their 'voice' to advocate for their needs because they were too young to do so. I had to tell the doctor's what they were experiencing, remind the teachers how they were struggling with some subjects, and even as a voice between the two of them when emotions were stronger than their words could ever be. Now that they are adults, they speak for themselves. As you can imagine, there are vulnerable adults in this world who need this type of advocate to 'speak for' them when their needs are not easily known. Ever stop to think who you are asked to 'speak for' in this world? If you don't think you have anyone don't overlook the importance of being asked to be the one who 'speaks for' Christ in this world.

I mean that God was in Christ, making peace between the world and himself. In Christ, God did not hold people guilty for their sins. And he gave us this message of peace to tell people. So we have been sent to speak for Christ. It is like God is calling to people through us. We speak for Christ when we beg you to be at peace with God. (2 Corinthians 5:19-20 ERV)

The good news of living out from under the burden of our guilt and shame isn't just going to find its way into the hearts of people through osmosis, my friends. It has to be 'told' to the hurting! We have to 'speak for' Christ - for grace, peace, truth, and liberty. We have to be the voice that brings balance and reason where chaos abounds and the imbalance of power, pride, and perversion have gone awry. We are God's voice - his Word becomes real and visible when others see it lived out in our lives. His Word becomes vibrant and meaningful when others witness the change in us that occurs where grace has been free to work. The message of God's peace isn't understood through words as much as it is understood by observing what his peace does in the life of one who knows it deeply.

It is indeed good news that God doesn't hold us 'guilty' for our multitude of sins. Even the 'best' of us is not able to proclaim we are 'without sin' because we are each born with the nature that lusts after what brings pleasure to self. We cannot escape the need for peace - because all this world offers is an illusion of true peace. We are not at liberty until we have been set free! We cannot say we know truth if we don't know Christ. Apart from the message being spoken, nobody will hear. Liberty is in your hands - peace is within your hearts. Share the message you are given - not in word alone, but in action, attitude, and a changed life. Just sayin!