Give Them A Reason!

Recently while taking one of my walks a woman who was also walking stated, “I’d follow you if I wanted to get someplace in a hurry.” Her comment reminded me of a passage in Zechariah that caught my attention a few years ago. God, through this prophet, pointed toward a time when many peoples and nations would seek the favor of the Lord.

We read…
“Thus says the LORD of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall TAKE HOLD OF THE ROBE OF A JEW, SAYING, ‘LET US GO WITH YOU, FOR WE HAVE HEARD THAT GOD IS WITH YOU.’” ( Zechariah 8:23 ESV)

What an honor is described here. A single Jew who would have ten from other nations take hold of them to FOLLOW because they had come to realize God was with them. Paul was raised a devout Jew ( Philippians 3:5) and as we read in Acts and glimpse his life through the letters he wrote, we can easily see how many took hold of him and FOLLOWED, becoming believers in the Will of God and in Christ. There was something powerful with regard to the manner in which Paul lived his life that drew others to him. He was even received by some as if he had been an angel of God or Christ Himself. ( Galatians 4:14) Paul’s life provided a reason for others to FOLLOW. He lived in a manner which revealed God was with him.

The implications of how we live our daily lives cannot be underestimated. How we approach our daily tasks and conduct our lives says something to those around us. Classmates, fellow workers, neighbors, and even strangers on the street observe our lives and draw conclusions from what they see. Do they see God? Do they see Christ? Is there anything about our manner of living that would cause another to want to take hold of us with a desire to FOLLOW where we are going? The potential impact our life can have to the glory of God should always be on our minds. It is both a privilege and a responsibility to lead others to Him. May we live with such a high purpose in accordance with God’s Will that others will be given every reason to desire to take hold of our life and FOLLOW us to Him.

Have a great day WALKING IN GOD’S WAY!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Discipleship