Who Do People Say That You Are?

Our mission trip to Honduras each year has a special place in my heart. As Myles indicated in his Lads speech, it has a way of giving you a different perspective on life. Things we take for granted here would be considered a luxury if you lived in Honduras.

John 13:35 says: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Building houses, food bag preparations and delivery, clothing drives, Vacation Bible School, medical drives, and Dr. Rosenblum performing eye exams are some of the things that we do to show Hondurans love. Not just our love for them, but the love that Jesus speaks of throughout the Bible. Hopefully, they see the love of Jesus in us and the people of Honduras know that we are there “en el nombre de Jesus.” I think it is safe to assume that in Honduras the people know who we are.

Here it is, another first day of the week, and we assemble to worship our Lord and Savior. Is our attitude right? It should be the most important thing we do all week. By making being here a priority in our lives, it is easy for people to see who we are.

Let’s fast forward our lives to any other day of the week. Someone you are with starts a conversation that is nothing more than gossip. Are you going to add to the conversation? You are driving down the parkway and you get cut off in traffic because they are obliviously driving and not paying attention to the rules of the road. Are you going to let your anger get the best of you and possibly speak and act in a way that you shouldn’t? One of your co-workers tells an off-color joke or starts an off-color conversation. Are you going to join in?

You make your own list. We all have one. Romans 3:23 tells us: “for we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” 1 Peter 2:11-12 teaches us how to live before the world. A summation of these passages is to live such good lives that people may see your good deeds and therefore that glorifies God.

So here is my challenge to you and especially me. I want to strive to have the same desire to serve God all the other days of the week as I do on the first day of the week. That challenge can be made easier if you commit yourself to spending time daily studying from His Word, reflecting on how His Word applies to your life, and going to Him in prayer and asking Him daily to help you with your list. Who do people say that you are?

-Mike Banholzer

#MaysvilleMessenger