Be wise in the way you act
toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be
always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer
everyone. Colossians 4:5-6 NIV
We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God
were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf to be
reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV
Not again! How many times is this going to happen, I
asked myself as I discovered my empty lunch plate. Kate our Labrador retriever
had made the most of her opportunity once again. No amount of scolding or
discipline was breaking her of this habit of stealing unattended food stuffs. Oh
well, I lamented, as I trundled back to the kitchen, that hot dog wasn't a good
choice for me anyway.
Looking back, I often find myself laughing at Kate's
antics which were at one time such an annoyance, for in hindsight she taught me
much as a Christian when it comes to making the most of every opportunity. God
has called us to be Christ's ambassadors in this world, to make the most of
every opportunity to share the good news of salvation; good news which, when
received by faith, snatches souls from the jaws of spiritual death. Spiritual
death is eternity without God, total darkness, total chaos, whereas spiritual
life ensures an eternity of light and harmony, in the presence of God our Lord
and maker.
In today's world Christianity is in many locales fast
becoming irrelevant to our lifestyles and mindsets. Churches are shrinking.
Christianity is often seen as being folksy and quaint but not relevant. It's
something from the past and has little if any room in the future. Thus making
the most of every opportunity to share the good news of Christ is paramount. Let
us therefore each ask God this day to keep our minds focused on Him through the
power of the Holy Spirit that we might be prepared and ready to be ambassadors
for Jesus anytime, anyplace and in any circumstance that people worldwide may
continue to be reconciled to God.
Prayer: Father God, how we praise you for our
salvation Christ. How we are thankful for the grace which has saved us. Alert
our hearts and minds this day to Spirit given opportunities to be ambassadors
for Jesus. Grant us both grace and courage that our words and deeds might be
seasoned with godly wisdom, and unconditional love and acceptance toward all
those with whom we cross paths. In Christ's name we ask. Amen.
Lynne Phipps
Atlin, BC
lynnephipps@hotmail.com
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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