paw prints

If, suddenly one day, you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?   People are seeing us every day as we go about our lives, the things we say, how we respond in difficult situations, and our attitude about life, how we treat our family, our friends, and people who cross our paths. When we are no longer here, what will people remember about us, how will they describe us?       

As a pastor I am keenly aware that I am under a microscope. The things I do and say have the potential to affect many people. It can be a scary place to be. But it is not only true of pastors. Each one of us has our particular circle of influence, those whose lives touch and are touched by ours. We all have a “pulpit” from which we can share the Good News of Jesus Christ. People often develop their opinion of Christianity from the actions and attitudes of those Christians around them. You may be the first and only Bible a person ever reads.      

As we return from our summer vacations and focus on a new school year and the fall startup of activities it is a good time to take a look at where we are and where we are going. How are we, as a church and as individuals, impacting our communities, our circles of influence?  Are our programs succeeding in meeting the needs before us?  What do we need to change or add to make our ministry more effective? Are we missing a segment of the population to which God would send us?     

Do people see something in our lives that draws them, which gives them a reason to seek what we have?  As we approach our fall season, it is a good time for us as a church and as individuals to reflect on our mission. If we were arrested for being Christians, would there be enough evidence to convict us?  Are we making a difference?

Blessings,

Dori