Thanks to my momma and daddy, I’ve been in church all my life. I was raised with solid values and discipline. My parents did their job to the best of their ability. As a child I really didn’t know why it was important for me to go to church. All I knew was that it was part of our life and it was non-negotiable. When I was a teen, attending church on Sunday morning was the deciding factor on whether I could go to the skate center Sunday evening. My daddy use to say, ‘People who can’t go church, can’t go to the skate center either.’
As I’m moving through my ages and stages, attending church has become more than just the building where I go on Sunday morning or the thing I must do before I can do something ’fun’ later. Truth be told, it wasn’t until my 30s when attending church became more than a religious act. It was during this time where I really started reading the Word for understanding and application. In my humble opinion, reading the Word without seeking to understand so you can live victoriously and be all that GOD created you to be – is POINTLESS! I’m no longer ignorant to what God expects of me. Sometimes I wish I was because in some instances, ignorance is bliss. As you learn and grow, you realize there are some inherent issues with that statement – that’s why I say some instances. 1 Corinthians13:11 (NIV) says When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.
I do not, by any stretch of the imagination, claim to be a model witness for Christ but what I can say – I’m working on it. It was this Pastor’s wife assignment that was the motivation for me to enter the witness protection program. Every Christian, regardless of what assignment they have been given, is called to be a witness for Christ – Mark 16:15 (NIV) He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. More often than not, a person will believe your actions, quicker than your words. Although I don’t get it right every time, I can definitely say that I am mindful of my behavior as I carry on with my day. Every situation and interaction with someone can be a potential opportunity to be a witness for Christ. Here is just a sampling of the questions I ask myself on the regular to check and protect my witness: Why are you complaining? Did you show compassion? Who are you to judge? Where’s your gratitude? There are plenty more.
My parents accepted the responsibility to introduce me to Christ. However, they didn’t stop at the introduction, they made sure that I was surrounded by opportunities to establish a relationship with HIM. They created the foundation for the relationship to grow. Until they were laid to rest, through their ups and downs, I was able to witness the benefits of having a real relationship with Christ. Now, that I’m an adult and have been for quite some time, it’s MY responsibility to continue to strengthen the relationship and protect my witness. Here’s a tip: as you strengthen your relationship, it will be easier to protect your witness
Final Word of Encouragement: Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Will you draw anyone to Christ with your witness?
Be Encouraged! Be Blessed!
this Pastor’s wife
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