Monday, February 25, 2008
How Will They Know
Series
Matthew 5:16 “ Let your light so
shine before others that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in
heaven.”
A Whole
Right after Averette and I were married I took her
snorkeling for the first time. I remember helping her with her fins and
her snorkel and thinking to myself how cute she looked.
We had just married and I had anticipated introducing
her to the undersea world. The ocean was azure blue and I knew the
fish would be incredible. I told her that in just a second she would
see the beautiful sights of a whole new world – fish that were electric blue and
yellow like she had never seen. I told her the sand would be beautiful and
the waving sea plants mesmerizing. I said, “Just follow me, honey,” and I
floated away on the top of the sea. I swam on for a while and kept
expecting her to catch up with me, but no Averette. I came out of the
water and looked. She was standing back where she had been. I swam
back and she looked at me and said, “Honey, I’m a little nervous about
this.” And I suggested that I stay with her for a while and we
hold hands and look together. With just a little bit more coaxing she was
fine.
There are times that people find themselves a little
nervous about following Jesus. They don’t know what it means and
they need help and guidance through the decision in the early days of their walk
with Him. It is neat and exciting to show someone this brand new way
to live. It is indeed like beginning a whole new way of life.
Everything looks different. It is so exciting because you see
people, occupations, and possessions in a completely new way. In the
early days of someone’s faith, every new understanding seems like a
miracle.
I have walked many times with people on their first
steps to becoming a Christian. It can be like seeing young children
experience the lights and wonder of Christmas.
In Matthew 4:18 Jesus saw two brothers, Peter and
Andrew, who were casting their nets into the sea. Jesus said, “Come
and follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” One of the most
important components of our faith is to guide others to accepting and following
the path of Jesus. Jesus did that for them and the other disciples for the
next three years.
I remember watching my wife’s face that day we went
snorkeling. It was enchanting to watch her experience the wonders of the
ocean. That night at dinner she commented again at how beautiful,
tranquil, and exciting it was to see what was under the ocean. Her
face was transformed by the beauty she had seen. As Christians who
guide people down the Christian way we introduce them to a completely
transforming experience.
Prayer:
Dear God, help me to share with others the beauty of the
Christian experience. Amen.