People of incredible influence… Individuals whose very presence impact a conversation… The kind of person who moves into a neighborhood or community and the entire moral and spiritual climate begins to change for the better…
CAN YOU IMAGINE IT?
In my Bible reading today during “coffee with the Lord” I read a snapshot of that kind of person – a passage urging Christians to be “individuals of influence” within a corrupt culture – to model and express godly, gracious behavior! Here is the lifestyle features that Apostle Paul urged…
“Let your love be genuine!
Abhor what is evil – hold fast to what is good!
Love one another with brotherly affection [like love in a wonderful family]!
Outdo one another in showing honor!
Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord!
Rejoice in hope!
Be patient in tribulation!
Be constant in prayer!
Contribute to the needs of others!
Show hospitality!
Bless those who persecute you – don’t curse them!
Rejoice with those who rejoice – weep with those who weep!
Live in harmony with one another!
Never be haughty but associate with the lowly!
Never be wise in your own sight!
Repay no one evil for evil!
Try to do what is honorable in the sight of all!
Do your best to live peaceably with everyone!
Never take revenge – leave ‘getting even’ to God!
If you have an enemy feed him, give him something to drink!
ABOVE ALL, DO NOT LET EVIL OVERCOME YOU – INSTEAD OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD!”
(Adapted from Romans 12:9-21)
IMAGINE SOMEONE LIVING LIKE THAT IN YOUR COMMUNITY!
What a wonderful thing that would be! What a reputation a person would have! What an impact a group of people [a church] like that would have! What healthy, healing potential! Almost “heaven on earth” – not fully “heaven” yet, but almost! Don’t you want to do your part with God’s help, Christ’s example, and the “nudge” of the Holy Spirit, to make it a reality in your community? I want to in mine!
Coffee With The Lord 