I had a very interesting conversation with someone I met in a parking lot this week about their journey of faith.  They shared with me how as a young person they had been so hurt and disillusioned by the actions of people of faith that they swore they would “never darken the doors of a church; those people can keep their religion to themselves.”  But they went on to tell me that through the years, their position has begun to soften.  They said they have been through some hard times over the years and that during all of those times, without fail members of some church came by to help them.  They got a little emotional as they spoke and I must admit so did I.  They closed their story by letting me know that while they are still on their journey of faith they are looking forward to going to church with their family this Christmas.

As I reflected later on the conversation I was reminded of the impact that we “people of faith” can have on others, both good and bad.  People notice us and make assessments about our faith and our religion.  The Bible tells us that we are ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), that we are to let our lights so shine so that others see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven (Matthew 5:16).  The Bible says that we are to be doers of the word and not just hearers who delude ourselves, that we are to be the kind of people who minister to widows and orphans in times of distress (James 1:22, 27).

I think it is good for each of us to ask ourselves from time to time, what do my actions say about my religion?  Do my works, my words and my ways cause my light to shine so that others glorify my Father in Heaven?  Do my deeds lovingly point people to Christ or do they push them away?

Good things to think about from time to time, especially when you consider that we are called people “OF the way” and not people “IN the way.”  Until next time, stay strong in the faith.