Well, if my title didn’t startle you last time it probably did this time. Becoming a fashion-first type of guy is the furthest thing from my mind. Hopefully we can continue the get-out-and-be-counted-idea that I wrote about last time we were together. I have written before that I believe that we are all called to Christian Discipleship for the Savior who died for us. One does not have to be a Pastor or Priest, a Deacon or Bishop to live a life of discipleship, loving his fellow man as himself, being the face of Jesus to any and all with whom he or she might come into contact. I believe that living one’s life in this manner is equivalent to clothing oneself in one’s Christianity. Just as one’s daily choices from the closet, these pieces of one’s Christ-like wardrobe, this mantle should be visible for all to see. What are you wearing today?
Christian Discipleship – A Conscious Decision
Just as we dig through our closets and make up our minds about what clothes to wear for the day or the occasion; we can make a decision before we leave the house to present ourselves as either visible or invisible to those around us. Most of us choose to make an impression of some sort. Depending on our state of mind, our appearance may invoke a positive or negative response in people. Perhaps we chose to make no impression, be invisible to the public eye. That is still a choice, a conscious decision. It is the same with our faith. We can choose to be without visible faith or faith-neutral, or we can choose for our faith to be visible and make an impression. Jesus called us to make a conscious decision to wear our faith to make an impression.
Faith Without Works
In the Anglican Church, this past Sunday’s New Testament reading taught that faith without works is dead. The second chapter of James points out very clearly that claiming we have faith is worthless unless we practice that faith.
Credit: Pixabay
14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James 2:14-17 (ESV)
Be Significant!
Dr. John Temple, a significant man in his own right, charged his nephew, Matthew, at his ordination not to be successful but to be significant.
“We are not called to be a success. We are called to be significant.”
Credit: Overflow Church
I was struck with the profoundness of this statement. Success marks a fleeting moment in time. Significance leaves a legacy. Should we not likewise strive to leave a lasting impression? Perhaps changing the lives of not just one person but future generations as well. Matt’s parents lived a Godly life. They raised Godly children. Their sons and daughter are following their examples by raising their own children to love the Lord and live Christ-like lives. I would bank on the next generation of this beautiful family being raised in the same manner. Fred Temple, Matt’s father, and my dear friend is just a plain fellow by society’s standards. A simple man. Hard working and quiet. Fred is a significant man. He puts on the mantle of Christian Discipleship every day. He chooses to be significant. By doing so, he has left lasting marks on an ever-expanding part of the world.
What Are You Wearing Today?
In the future, no one will remember the clothes you wore today. But, if you are clothed in Christ, if you show one person true Christian charity, the Love of Christ, that person will never forget. The mantle of Christian Discipleship, worn for all to see, accompanied by acts of compassion and humanity will certainly be significant in this world where these things are rare and lacking. What are you wearing today?
Most merciful Father, I pray that you will bless Matt Temple and his family as they strive to do the work you have given them to do. Give them strength and courage to be significant in the lives of others. Abba, I pray we all carry our working faith into our everyday lives. Remind us that it is our duty to actively be the Body of Christ, that being a disciple is a call to action and not just a call to education only. In the name of Christ, I pray. Amen
