December 1

Arrows of the Almighty

Respectable Or Real

“The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.” (1Timothy 1:5)

I recently heard about a certain pastor who was less-than-encouraging when his daughter announced that God was calling her to serve as a missionary in Uganda. At first, he refused to let her go. ‘Don't you know that Uganda is a very dangerous place for Christians?” he asked. After two years, the young woman finally set out to pursue her calling. As the pastor watched her plane rise into the sky, he commented that he had wanted his daughter to be a respectable Christian--not a real one.

What makes the difference between a respectable Christian and a real one? Jesus makes that very distinction in verses 11 and 12 of Matthew: "The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." Jesus never wore fancy robes with long tassels like the religious leaders of his day. He hung out with outcasts and sinners rather than with the movers and shakers. Instead of expecting the place of honor at banquets, Jesus took the place of the lowest servant and washed his disciples' feet. "Respectable" members of society became nervous when Jesus entered the room. He didn't play by their rules.

People do not want to look odd or strange. They want to belong to the in-crowd. That’s understandable. But when it comes to our walk with Christ, we must not worry about being respectable. We must be concerned about being in a real relationship with Him!

“Father God, I confess that I am much too concerned with how I am viewed by others. Help me to so live that others will see Jesus and be drawn to Him. In His Name I pray, Amen.”