By: Lyndsay Crews
My friend sifts through my trash. She’s not homeless; she’s a passionate recycler. I like the idea of recycling. I find value in it and I like that other people recycle. But in order to save money every month, I don’t personally recycle (gasp with lots of judgment). Who would you rather take recycling advice from: my friend who believes in recycling so much that she sifts through my trash to save the planet (a little gross, but passionate) or me, who would rather save money than recycle? The answer is my friend because she actively lives out what she truly believes in.
Are you actively living out what you believe in? If you’re unsure, ask a friend to name some things you’re passionate about. Whether it’s sports, traveling, nutrition, decorating, interpretive dance or whatever, people know. Did following Jesus make the list of your passions? If you’re unsure what a Jesus follower looks like, start with a spiritual assessment using the fruits of the spirit.
“But the fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.” – Galatians 5:22-23
How did you do? Because of sin, we won’t always ooze the fruits of the spirit all the time. That’s ok because God is full of grace, but I still want people to know that I’m a Jesus follower. Let’s be intentional today about the way we treat others. Can people tell we follow Jesus? Thank God for His grace and ask God to change us to become more like Him.