“You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all.” 2 Corinthians 3:2
Every person has their own story. The billions of people on Earth can be likened to books, open and being read by those who see and interact with them every day. So many stories are presented to us, and our own lives are presented to those we interact with as well.
Do we stop to consider how our stories are affecting or impacting others? If we don’t, we need to.
None of us escape life without walking through many seasons of difficulty. Fallen man experiences brokenness in many ways. Relationships, financial hardships, health problems, and more can be seen all around.
Those of us who allow the Lord to guide us through His Word can find help with many of the woes we see all throughout society. It says in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” Truly surrendering to Jesus and becoming born again causes an inner change that removes our fleshly habits that are destructive and ugly. God creates new desires in us that are pleasing to Him. The world takes notice when our lives don’t blend in with the painful ways of society. And that is what Jesus desires.
However, if we can’t change our circumstances for things that are out of our control, we can present an attitude that offers the peace and love of Jesus to those who are reading our stories. It is awe-inspiring to see those with chronic illness, irreparable situations, and unfathomable losses continue to display an attitude that is grateful to God for His goodness.
We should all take a few moments to reflect on our own stories and examine what type of “book” we are presenting to the world.
Do we complain about our lot in life, or do we show gratitude for our God who gives us strength each day?
Have we followed the guidelines found in God’s Word to make our lives better and more pleasing to Him, or are we showing those around us that we don’t truly believe in God’s ways?
Do we show compassion and love to those in need around us, or do we abstain from offering hope to others by not sharing our stories and testimony?
Those of us who have experienced God and His love personally hold the keys to what our world needs today. Let’s take advantage of sharing our stories with others, so that their tomorrows can be lined with the love and hope we ourselves have been given. Our Savior used men and women to carry out His will. Let us be available for His use to touch the needy world around us.
Let us make sure our open books of life are worthy to be read of all men!
