The greatest gift that I can give to my family and friends is the gift of the gospel. This is always on my mind; even more as I recognize that I approach my birthday—one less year left to proclaim the name of Christ. Yet, how do I tell the world about my best friend, my Savior without sounding too “preachy”? Do I tell them about my own failures and a Savior who loved me so much that He came down to save me in spite of all that? Do I tell them that even in the darkest hours of illness or abuse; God’s plan of love lead me to an ever-growing, abounding faith—a faith I could have never imagined I would have? Or do I tell them of all the blessings He has bestowed on me with my children, friends and life? Do I tell them how in the darkest, loneliest hours of my life I could feel the warmth of His presence as He sang a gentle love song over me in the middle of the night? Would they think me crude or a bit crazy were I to tell them? Yet, there is no greater gift that I could give them. How could I fail to give them the only gift that really matters?
Yet, if I see Christ as my greatest treasure; wouldn’t my life’s song echo Him to the world?
Isn’t that what Paul wrote to the Galatians? Perhaps there we might see examples of how a life devoted to Christ might look like.
Galatians 5 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage….
5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith….
13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another….
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law….
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
1. Example 1: Those who understand the truth of the Gospel, know that they are freed from the law. No longer must I fear the “penalties” of the law nor my failure to uphold them. I am not waiting for that lightning bolt to strike me when I fail. Neither do I take my own sin frivolously; for I see how my sin breaks the heart of God who wants only the best for me. Indeed, I lay it at the cross. Never am I to be too proud to tell someone how grace covered my failures; nor am I to be so flippant as to parade it like some badge of honor.
2. Example 2: My life should reflect the joy, love, peace, kindness, and faith which pours out from the Holy Spirit which indwells me. Not just when circumstances are good; but, this should be my genuine heart filled with the spirit. For those seasons when this is not the case; I must take time to study the scripture, pray and spend hours alone with God in my closet or prayer room. Believe me it is worth every minute spent alone with Him.
3. Example 3: Remember to see yourself through those same eyes of Grace and Love that you are extending to others. I tend to desire to show mercy to the world; forgetting that I too am in this world. God’s love for me is unconditional, His mercy is from everlasting to everlasting—I can only reflect that when I cling tight to that truth in my own heart. I must confess my failures to God, then leave them there at the foot of the cross; never to beat myself up with their guilt again.
Listen to this song by Casting Crown—Let my Lifesong sing to You
©2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.