Spiritual Energy Shines Through

Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. (Colossians 4:5-6 NLT)

Live wisely among those who are not believers - this is our goal, is it not? To live well, one must understand when they are NOT living as God intended. To understand this, we must get into his Word, spend some time alone with him, and allow him to both point out where we are not living well and show us how to incorporate obedient steps into our day.

The individual right next to you might never know Christ until they see him in us. That coworker, club member, fellow fisherman, or next-door neighbor - we all observe each other, don't we? We look at the traits and habits of each one, making some sort of 'judgment' as to who they are, what motivates them, and if we want to be around them long term. If someone looks at you, do they see Jesus shining through?

Sometimes it is the simplest things that help others see Jesus, piquing their curiosity and engage their minds or hearts into understanding what it is they are observing in us. They may hear a difference in our speech, observe a difference in how we deal with others, or something that we don't do that makes them interested in knowing what makes us 'different'. If we are always ready to give an answer for the hope we have within, we will be ready when those opportunities present themselves!

Graciousness has somehow been lost in society today. We may not observe it as often as we used to, making us wonder where mankind is actually headed. If we want to attract others to Christ, one of the surest means to do so is to always be gracious, even when the other party doesn't deserve it. Be kind, respectful, and generous - it matters how you respond to others. There is nothing more powerful than grace!

It isn't that you are just 'polite' in public. You are energized by the Spirit of God and that comes through in your actions, words, and demeaner. It is what some call 'charisma' - that thing that makes others want to actually be around you. Do some find your life a little 'offensive' because Christ lives in you? Yes, but not because they don't like what they see - your life just brings a little too much conviction to their soul! Keep on shining - there is no need to hide that joy, peace, or privilege you have in Christ Jesus. You just might be the instrument God has been waiting to use in that other person's life to bring them to himself. Just sayin!