Jesus wants all who know Him to share the good news that God loves the people of the world and wants them to come home to Him. He wants each of us to live as “a true Christian.”
August 17, 2008 (Sunday)
Romans 12:1-2 presents a genuine challenge to us as Christians: “Dear friends, God is good. So I beg you to offer your bodies to him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That’s the most sensible way to serve God. Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him” (Contemporary English Version). This is a call to each of us to be a true Christian.
A true Christian sees the need of today’s world. In many ways, the world lies in darkness, spiritually; evil deeds are reported every day. The hearts of people seem easily turned toward sin. The Gospel of Salvation offers help and hope but its message is being hidden by many of us by our careless handling of our Christian duties. We seem to know that souls are dying without Christ, but our fervor in sharing the message of redemption has been tempered by a lack of concern. We seem to see the need but lack the heart to do something about it.
A true Christian does something about the need in today’s world. He (or she) seizes opportunities to share the good news of salvation in Christ with others. In Luke 5, there is the account of a man who was healed by Jesus because he had friends who were so concerned about him that when barred from entering the house where Jesus was teaching, they tore open the roof and lowered him into the presence of the Savior. They expressed genuine desire to do something to help. We Christians need a rebirth of real compassion for unbelievers in our world today. Somehow the fire that once burned brightly in our hearts and in our churches has dwindled to embers.
A true Christian rejoices in the results of his (or her) passionate witness. Those who hear and believe find salvation and true joy in Christ. God is glorified when people commit their lives Him.
Jesus wants all who know Him to share the good news that God loves the people of the world and wants them to come home to Him. He wants each of us to live as “a true Christian.”