Notify Your Face

Notify Your Face

1 Peter 3:15 (The New International Version) But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect ...

I have been saying for years that we could reach more people for Christ is the radiance of the Christ within us was noticeable on our faces.

Cut me a break -- you know it to be true. We stand to sing about the fact that we have joy in our hearts while our faces look like we sucked up pickle juice through our noses with a straw.

We go to the bank, to the post office, to get gas, and some of us never even crack a smile or have an encouraging word to say to those who wait on us.

Now don't stone me -- you know it's true. You've been around those joyless, lifeless Christians. We of all people, the redeemed -- should be bursting with joy and that joy ought to be bubbling over to our faces.

I just read a thought provoking quote this weekend from the atheist philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche. He said this to a group of Christians: Yuck, you make me sick! When their spokesperson asked why, he answered, "Because you redeemed don't look like you're redeemed. You're as fearful, guilt-ridden, anxious, confused, and adrift in an alien environment as I am. I am allowed. I don't believe. I have nothing to hope for. But you people claim you have a Savior. Why don't you look like you're saved!"

Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! So what about it? That ought to scare the gloomies right out of us and put a smile on your face. Do you have the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in your heart? Then maybe a good way to let the world know that we are REDEEMED by the blood of the Lamb, is to first notify our face. Maybe then they will ask the question: What's different about YOU?

Something to think about ... Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 6; Isaiah 26-27; Philippians 2

Great Quote: Our soul-thirst is powerful, and it makes all of us idolaters. To be sure, not many of my contemporaries bow before actual pagan altars. Nevertheless, the Bible sees idolatry as a universal problem. To be alive is to be an idolater. One of the most basic questions in spiritual formation must be 'What am i doing about my idols?' not 'Do I have any idols?' James Wihoit, Spiritual Formation As If The Church Mattered.