A Different People!

As Christians we should be seen as being good people. However, it is possible to live a good life and do good things without being a Christian. Being a Christian by definition is to be identified with Christ. There is to be a focus on the genuineness of that relationship and actions that are truly in accordance with God’s Will. (note Matthew 7:21-23) In our goodness as followers of Jesus, to what extent are we different than the world?

A minister once asked the members of his congregation the following question: “What have you done today that nobody but a Christian would do?” Certainly something to think about, isn’t it? How would we answer the question? Has our becoming Christians moved us to act BEYOND a mere sense of moral goodness?

The challenge Jesus placed before His listeners was…
“…WHAT MORE ARE YOU DOING THAN OTHERS?” ( Matthew 5:47b ESV)

Some of the courtesies or niceties Jesus noted on this occasion are practiced by those who do not even believe in Him nor acknowledge God. As we look at our own individual life is there something of exceeding measure that can be noted that is different from the world? Is there a further distance we are willing to go on behalf of others because of our relationship to Christ? Is there service we are willing to offer or people we are willing to reach out to that are usually ignored by the world in general? Is there something uncommon or extraordinary marking some of our life activity?

“What have I done today that nobody but a Christian would do?” A question worthy of meditation and reflection! Since we know more about God and His Will than those in the world, should that not in itself imply a DOING MORE than the world? Perhaps the most impacting action we can exercise is that of extending good when evil has been extended toward us. ( Romans 12:17 & 21) This is often quite different than the world -- being most uncommon among those who are not Christians -- and is a graciousness we have come to know through the forgiveness and patience we have experienced from our Heavenly Father. It is also action that holds great potential for winning others over and drawing them toward God. May our relationship to Christ compel us toward the extraordinary as His power and Will work in and through us as His servants.

Have a great day EXCELLING IN CHRISTIAN SERVICE!
Carl

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