They Are Reading Us
We are being read all the time.
Four pastors were discussing the various translations of the Bible. One liked the King James Version because of its beautiful English. Another liked the New American Standard Bible because it is more literal. Still another liked the Christian Standard Bible because of its updated vocabulary. The fourth pastor was silent. When urged to provide his opinion, he said, “I like my mother’s translation best, because she translated it into life, and it was the most convincing translation I have ever seen.”
Fellow believers in Jesus Christ: those who do not share the same faith likely do not read the Bible or even own a Bible; instead, they read US. When we identify ourselves as Christians, whether it’s through spoken word, a bumper sticker, or a necklace, we become reading material. We are being read all the time.
How we respond to difficult times provides an authentic glimpse into our lives with Christ. If unbelievers observe us responding well in the face of life’s challenges, they will be more open to finding out how they can have the same outlook on life, because let’s face it, we all experience pain, temptations, and challenging times. If we as Christians act no differently than anyone else when times get tough, then there is nothing different about us; nothing different to be inspired by or to emulate.
When we placed our faith in Christ alone for His promise of everlasting life, we became new creations, old things passed away, all things were to become new. Let’s be Spirit-led and the best reading material possible for those who don’t currently know Jesus. God will do the rest.