When Your Life Preaches Before You Do

Well, bless the ol’ front porch light, friend, come set yourself beside that basket of snap beans before the afternoon runs off with itself. There’s a lil’ ol’ guinea fowl marchin’ across the yard like it owns the deed, and a lil’ ol’ fox squirrel is balancin’ on a limb with more confidence than most folks have fillin’ out their tax forms. While creation is puttin’ on its little show, here’s a question worth carryin’ with you for a while.

What is your life saying about Jesus?

Paul told the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 3:2 tells us, “You are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone.” That there means their lives were like letters, “known and read by everyone.” That there plum means that somebody is sho’-nuff’ reading your story today.

They’re watching how you respond when plans unravel, how you git to speakin’ when you’re real irritated, how you treat the person that can’t do anything for you, and whether Jesus seems to make any difference after Sunday mornin’.

That’ll straighten your bonnet, for sure.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Notice He didn’t say, “Shine only when somebody hands you a microphone.”

Your kitchen can sho’-nuff’ be a pulpit. Your workplace can be a real mission field. A waitin’ room, grocery aisle, fishin’ dock, or family supper can become holy ground when Christ is visible in you.

And Titus 2:7 says, “In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works.”

People may argue with what you believe. It’s harder to argue with patience, kindness, honesty, forgiveness, and steady love lived right in front of them.

Father, make my life a clear testimony of Jesus. Guard my words, shape my reactions, and let my choices reflect Your grace. Help me live so that people see something in me that points beyond me and toward Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now, gather your things and head right out past the mailbox, friend. A lil’ ol’ tree frog doesn’t need a billboard to announce rain, and an ol’ farm bell doesn’t need an introduction before folks know that their supper’s ready. Your life is already sayin’ something. Let it say, “Jesus,” clearly, kindly, and sho’nuff convincingly.

With joy,

Gwen