Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The 67th Book Of The Bible
Have you ever felt like someone was watching you? If it’s the boss at work, we tend to straighten up and work more efficiently. If it’s a romantic admirer, we are quick to put on our best face to make a good impression. Christians, expect to be under constant surveillance. If you think you can hide, Matthew 5:14 is there with a reminder: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” And people are not only watching us. They are reading our life-story; book, chapter and verse.
The world has heard our sermons. But they are hungry for sustained proof. They have listened to our witness for Christ. Now they must witness our walk. Do we resemble God? Are we mimicking Christ Jesus, for real?
Like Jesus, we are “the word made flesh.” That scripture in the book of John means Jesus’ life fulfilled everything that was written about him in the Old Testament. Every follower of Christ is also called to fulfill their divine purpose, and live a life that daily reflects the Heavenly Father.
That’s not a suggestion. The Apostle Paul made that clear when he said “We are living epistles, seen and read of men,” in 2nd Corinthians 3:2.
This suggests to me that we are the 67th Book of the Bible. The Holy Scriptures consist of sixty-six books. So what’s the 67th you ask? That’s the one you write by the way you live your life everyday! Remember the old adage: “You are the only Bible some people will ever read.” It’s the gospel truth.
So here are questions for us to ponder: What do our behavior, actions and habits reveal to people watching and reading our ways? Are our tongues uttering words fit to print? Does our attitude provide a chapter of hope for people desperate for love and salvation? As the word made flesh, our life should be a personal epistle and testament that draws souls to Christ, not distract them.
In the flesh, Jesus’ life story was one of love, faithfulness, compassion, patience, goodness and kindness. His presence is on each page from Genesis to Revelation. His influence is written in between each line of world history.
Now is our time to influence the world with our story. Psalms 45:1 says: “Your tongue is as the pen as a ready writer.” So write an epistle worth reading. Proclaim the saving grace and power of God through your lifestyle.
Yes, the Bible is the best-selling book of all time. More than six billion copies have been sold. And every year, six million more are distributed in cities, towns and hamlets across the globe.
But it’s your life that your neighbors, co-workers, friends, family and foes read more often – you 67th Book of the Bible. It’s not perfection they seek. They watch for true overcomers; people who falter, even faint, but don’t give in. They seek saints who may stumble but get back up; believers whose words match their walk.
Let that walk so move and impress the curious unbelievers, they are compelled to run to God in search of salvation.
Scripture Of The Day: "You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men." - 2 Corinthians 3:2 (NKJV)
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