When my brother asked me to take him to the store for tobacco, I grew irritated.
Immediately, the noise started in my head. Why would I want to take you to get something that’s killing you? Why don’t you just go to the eye doctor and get new glasses so you can pass the vision test and get your driver’s license again? Don’t you realize it’s an imposition to ask others to take you places?
And then I heard that unmistakable quiet, gentle voice of the Holy Spirit say, “Whatsoever you do for the least of these, that you do unto me.” In other words, “You represent me, Anne.”
My brother is not a believer, and how I treat him reflects on my faith or lack thereof. He is seventy-five and has no friends. His only exposure to God’s love is from my husband and me.
Representing Christ well is important. So is demonstrating the love of Jesus, no matter how we feel. I must ask myself if I am shining a light on the right path or pouring gasoline on a forest fire blocking the way?
What if I cried out in need and God ignored me? What if He told me He was too busy to deal with my foolishness? That wouldn’t be a God I’d want to worship and trust.
When Saul was blinded by the light and love of Jesus, he asked, “What shall I do, Lord?” Like many of us today, he might have responded, “What the…” or “Surely, I’m losing my mind!” Instead, he recognized the voice of God and willed himself to do whatever God asked, no matter the consequences. He was willing to be God’s representative, whatever that looked like.
I want to be light and love to everyone I encounter, friend or foe. I never want to misrepresent the goodness of my Lord.
Ask Jesus every day what He wants you to do.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Anne Hughes is an eMentor who trains and assists individuals with disabilities to find work-from-home remote-call-center jobs. When not working, she writes, creates faith memes to share, and spends time with her family.