Be that One Today

Romans 15:5-6  " May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

        We are each, but only one.  We might question what one person can do, but each of us have an influence on others beyond our realm of knowing.  Consider someone in your own life that didn't have a big part in your life, but still had a great influence and impact on who you are today.  We can encourage others by our presence despite the struggle to attend, our attitude despite the adversity,  our words despite the temptation to find fault, and our perseverance despite our weariness.

       How can we know how to be an encouragement to others?  We look to how God has provided for ourselves, "May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had."  One reason we go through trials is to share with others of how we kept going, despite the mud and the muck. We crack in the dark times of life, so that the 'Light of the World' might seep into our souls, not only to comfort but to convict us.  "The more patience and comfort we receive from God, the better disposed we are to love one another."

      Where do we derive our source of encouragement from?  We must encourage others with the like-mindness of Christ. "so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."  When we struggle, it's tempting to want to sin by pointing blame at others, or even at God.  Job and his wife had this very conversation..." His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!”  He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”  We must cling to God's Word and promises, even when the world tries to get us to abandon our faith.

       When you are a light to someone, God may be answering that person's prayer through you.  We are meant to be a light into this world, so that Christ will be seen in us despite the darkness that surrounds us.  Matthew 5: 14-16  "“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." 

       As for myself, I want to be a light to the world around me.  I want others to see how God has created me in this small frame, how He sustains me through multiple blessings and helps me to encourage others, with my words and actions, by what He has carried me through thus far.

      "In our world today—when good is often considered bad and bad is seen as good, when truth and error are switched around—people are looking for direction in life. May we be the ones who shine the light of Christ into our world." odb.org