Part 2 – CHRIST-FOLLOWERS
In my last article I quoted: “HOLY BIBLE – believe it or not; this book is being played out right before our eyes…” God is no optical illusion that we strain to see or find. He is not in hiding.
I noted that in CREATION He readily makes Himself known to us. “God made the earth by His power; He founded the world by His wisdom and stretched out the heavens by His understanding.” (Jeremiah 10:12) Evidence of His personal traits are right before our eyes.
Let me further explain that God is known to us through:
CHRIST-FOLLOWERS
Jesus touched the lives of people by His grace and truth. Countless Christ-followers have exemplified these traits.
Critics are quick to point out that ‘Christians’ have been guilty of atrocities and abuses. Yes, often Christ is not represented well. We can easily label ourselves ‘Christian’; I prefer ‘Christ-follower’ because it indicates our intention to be like Jesus in attitudes and actions consistently. This does not mean we are perfect.
But it is the pursuit of Christ-followers daily to embody and reveal the character and love of Christ. Along with others they serve the sick, the dying, the demon-possessed, the children, giving men and women dignity, being peacemakers. They stand for life by protecting the unborn and the elderly, by giving to the needy, by coming along side those with addictions, and promoting development among peoples less fortunate.
Here in our neighbourhood, I think of Word Of Life’s soup kitchen, the Ministerial Christmas baskets, Glad Tidings Community Church’s Canada Day fireworks for the family, the school Breakfast Program, The Blenheim Food Bank, Vacation Bible School at the Christian Reformed Church, the chaplaincy at Ridgetown College, the efforts of NeighbourLink Chatham-Kent, Teen Challenge… all efforts initiated by Christ-followers.
Let me go on! Local church families teach God’s word, have opportunity for worship and prayer, encourage one another; they visit shut-ins, nursing homes, and hospitals, provide services with the elderly, help families through bereavement, give counsel, and contribute to multiple benevolent efforts.
Christ-followers desire to “not merely look out for [their] own interests, but also for the interests of others…[their]attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:3-5)
Quite simply, as Christ-followers love Him and serve Him, in this way the Bible, God’s word, is being played out right before our eyes.
God is making Himself known through His followers. I do not want to “hide my light under a bushel.” (Matthew 5:15) I want Jesus to be seen – in me and through me.
“Are you with me?”
Pastor Bill Terris