February 5, 2018
Leaving an Imprint, Part Two
Gwen Smith
Today’s Truth
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. (James 2:26, ESV)
Friend to Friend
In part one of this message we looked at our valuable purpose as image bearers of God to be an imprint of Christ to the world around us. We also examined the Biblical truth that validates this discussion. {Click here to read Part One.}
Today we will consider what is required of us to be an imprint, and we’ll discuss our call to “rep the house” as well by taking action.
What does that mean? Read on.
Ever since our kids were little, Brad and I have taught them that the Lord is the head of our home, and every Smith needs to rep the house well. The rules are simple:
Love God.
Love others.
Use your manners.
Use kind words.
Wear clean underwear.
Say please.
Say thank you.
Say you’re sorry.
Be a helper.
Get the door for people.
Work hard.
Go out of your way to make other people feel special.
And our kids know that Brad and I are always around to give them a “Good job, kid!” We expect them to rep the house. We reward them when they do and hold them accountable when they don’t.
The Bible tells us that all of humanity is made in the image of God. If we profess Christ, however, we are not only fashioned in His image, we are commissioned to be His representatives to the world. It says that the way we live makes a difference and should make an impact on His behalf.
To leave an imprint of Christ, we can’t just believe in Jesus, we also need to behave like Jesus. Live like Jesus. Love like Jesus. Serve like Jesus.
James challenged us this way…
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? … For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. (James 2:14-20, 26 ESV)
I simply cannot be an imprint of Christ to the world if I don’t do things on His behalf to bless and serve others. You can’t either.
I leave His imprint when I get beyond myself by caring for the needs of others. I leave His imprint when I forgive quickly instead of holding that grudge. I leave His imprint when I serve my family without grumbling and without expecting anything in return.
As children of the holy, loving King of Kings, you and I need to recognize our value in the big picture of God’s kingdom—“the eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (2 Chron. 16:9 NLT). And we need to rep the house ... trusting that He will strengthen us to be the imprints that authenticate and validate the reality of His grace.
Let’s Pray
Dear Lord, Help me to not just believe in You - but to behave like You. Teach me to better reflect You, Lord. Show me practical ways to “rep the house” so that those around me might wonder about the hope I have in You.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
What is one practical way you can rep the house today? {Visit my blog to tell me your answer!} Pray that God will open your eyes to the opportunities He presents.
CLICK to TWEET: To leave an imprint of Christ, we can’t just believe in Jesus, we also need to behave like Jesus. @GwenSmithMusic
More from the Girlfriends
You’re Invited: I WANT IT ALL Online Bible Study with Gwen Smith
This study will help you:
* Step into the renewal and rest that is best for your weary, stressed-out heart so that you won't be shaken by the swirling pace of this fast-moving world.
* Quiet feelings of loneliness, fear, and doubt by accepting the Biblical truth that even when you feel unseen, anxious, and afraid, God is present, peace-giving, and compassionate.
* Learn practical prayer points that will clear away heart clutter, calm concerns, and bolster believing.
JOIN US March 5 - April 9 as we study "I WANT IT ALL” by Girlfriends in God cofounder Gwen Smith. Sign up today for FREE: https://gwensmith.net/iwia2018
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Originally published Monday, 05 February 2018.
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