Sharing is good

If you had information that would guarantee success to anyone who knew this information would you share it with others? If you knew that there was an unending supply of good fortune would you share it with others? Would you share investment advice with others if you knew it was a sure thing?

The answer to the questions above when we are talking about earthly possessions in all likelihood is yes. Who would not want good fortune for our friends and families? Now, do you believe that you are saved by grace alone from God our Father? Do you agree that this love from God is never ending and more than plentiful? Are you sharing with others?

My daily devotion discussed Paul admitting to the people of Corinth in 1 Corinthians 2:3 "I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling." What a powerful passage. Here we have Paul, hand picked by God to share the good news of Jesus, and he is scared and feels weak. If you feel scared to share your faith with others, think about Paul and think about the fact that you are not alone. But also think about the wonderful news you are sharing. Do you really want to keep that news to yourself?

I have to admit, I really love talking in public on topics that I feel I am an expert on. But when it comes to the good news and the Word I do feel somewhat challenged. The Bible is a huge book with so much interrelated information. Our pastors and priests spend years in seminary learning and reviewing the Word so that they may be educated in their preaching. How can we be expected to share the Word with others when we have not had this same training?

I say preach with your actions. Show others the saving grace of God with what you do, especially what you do for others. I am not just speaking of your friends or those you are comfortable with, but perfect strangers as well. Do something nice for someone you have never met, showing the love of Christ, and watch the reaction of the other person. You will be amazed at the impact one simple gesture of kindness and love can provide. And that will possibly open the door for you to share you faith and allow you to be more comfortable in doing so.

But even a kind act for a stranger that you will never see again is sharing your faith, for good works in the eyes of God are those that come from the love of Christ. That is what we are called to do as we go about our daily lives. Think about this as you contemplate your words and actions throughout the day.

There was a period of time where the initials WWJD, meaning what would Jesus do, were popping up all over, especially among the young. I do not see this as often as I used to and I think to an extent it was a fad. However, we should always think this way in our daily lives, especially when we are dealing with others.

My first "real" job out of high school was as a bank teller. I learned a lot as a bank teller, both about myself and about others. At the time, I was a man in a woman's job (not my words but the words of a customer). One thing I learned from that job was that you can take any situation that is out of control or somehow bad and turn it around with simple kindness. It is very hard for people to stay angry, stay depressed when faced with acts of kindness towards them. Think about this the next time you want to snap back at someone who has angered you.

Pray for all those that are lovingly sharing the Gospel of Christ with others, both verbally and through actions. Pray that more and more will learn and accept the grace and love of God.