29TH DECEMBER
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12
“Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.”
Always be conscious of how your lifestyle impacts your witness!
Several months ago we had new neighbours move in next door. We had met them a few times and even said ‘hello’ over the fence before our first conversation one day.
One afternoon I got home at the same time as my neighbour and we got talking in the front yard. In conversation, they asked me “Are you guys Christians”? I responded, “Yes we are, what makes you ask that?” To my surprise, they said “You guys are different to our last neighbours, you’re good neighbours, your kids behave themselves and your yard is always tidy.” I was astounded at the comment.
I can assure you their remarks make us sound better than we really are but that conversation has impacted my life.
Today, God wants you to realise how powerfully your lifestyle impacts your witness. In a world that is so disposable, when you live quietly as a good steward of your house and property, outsiders notice. In a world where people neglect each other and are irresponsible, when you mind your own affairs as a family and as parents, outsiders see a difference. In a world that is out to get as much as it can for itself, when you work with your hands and provide for others rather than being dependent on others, outsiders take note.
MAKE IT PERSONAL:
What observations do you think your neighbours, your work mates, your friends and family make of the way you live? Does this verse characterise you? What actions do you need to take?