How do others characterize us? What do friends, coworkers, classmates, and neighbors think and say about us? While we cannot always control what others think or say, we can strive daily to walk according to the will of God.
I Corinthians 9 and Hebrews 12 likens Christianity to running a race. Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us to put aside all things that hinder us and run with endurance. Paul was determined that he would not “let up”; he pressed forward and kept his sights on heaven (Philippians 3:12-14).
Unfortunately there will be things that hinder, weigh us down and may cause us to stumble. We may be tempted to compromise and forgo what God expects of us. We should always seek God’s help to run the race, especially when we have trouble staying the course. God, the Father can help us when we are burdened and even when tempted to give in to the world (I Corinthians 10:13).
Christ died leaving us an example that we should follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21). People must be able to see Christ in us in order to be effective.
I once prayed at a company breakfast with a diverse group of coworkers. I kept the prayer brief and meaningful, thanking God for the food along with other petitions. Most importantly, I thanked God for Christ our Savior. After breakfast, a coworker thanked me for the prayer and said something that encouraged me. “One cannot fully know where people are in their relationship with God, but someday a coworker may face a trial or hardship and will know there is someone at work they can go to for help and encouragement.”
There are many people watching us. Let us press forward to the goal and run the race with endurance, letting our light shine with the hope that others may see the Father. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Keep that light burning!
For the elders, Terry Clark