I Have Nothing To Offer

On a beautiful warm Saturday morning years ago, a very good Christian friend and I were having breakfast at an Einstein's bagel shop. At a nearby table, I noticed a young woman sitting quietly reading her Bible. She was absorbed in the text, occasionally looking up to consider what she had read, then bowing her head in what seemed like a prayer to God. She never said a word, but her heart and priorities were visible to everyone in the bagel shop. As I think back now, it strikes me that her actions were a gentle, positive, and silent influence. There were as many eyes were on this lady as there were eyes ignoring her. I just remember how I admired her willingness to live out her faith in the midst of "the world." She was not ashamed of Christ nor of His New Testament (Hebrews 9:11-15 KJV). She didn't stand to preach or break out in heavenly song. This lady was willing to be identified with the Savior, yet she did not need to announce that allegiance, it was obvious!

We can learn from the example of this woman. There are times when the quietness of our everyday actions speak louder than our words, revealing our love for the Lord (Philippians 1:21-27). In our desire to share Christ with a sinful world, we should not ignore the power of our silent influence (1 Thessalonians 1:5-8). All of us have a testimony whether it is expressed verbally or even silently like the lady in Einstein's bagel shop. And just because some of us are not preachers, teachers, authors or otherwise, we are NOT less qualified to influence or even change a life with the smallest of gestures. We can 'be Jesus' in imperfect simple ways.

What was most impressive about my visit to the bagel shop that day was a little boy who wasn't much older than 3 or 4 who kept imitating the lady who was reading her Bible. He would hold his hands as if he was holding a book, talk to himself, the place the imaginary book on the table in front of him. He continued this behavior and every so often would tug on his mother's arm as if he wanted to tell her something. He was the cutest little boy! Finally, his mother looked down at her son. He quickly pointed to the Christian lady and turned and whispered something in his mother's ear. The mother looked up, saw the lady, then signaled her family ... I'm assuming as a reminder they forgot to pray before eating ... then they all bowed their head and said a prayer! It was evident the little boy's family gave him a foundation of faith and prayer. So much so that when he observed the Christian lady's behavior, it was that behavior that influenced him to follow suit. Again, you are NOT less qualified to influence or even change a life with the smallest of gestures. You can 'be Jesus' in imperfect simple ways.

The world is desperate for Christ. They just don't know it. Acts of kindness or love, giving, sharing, letting your faith be seen in a Christ-like manner is influential. Even I remembered this incident which happened over 15 years ago! You might be surprised what things the world sees and observes, and how much influence those things may play in a persons life now if not later. So many times as Christian's we think we have nothing to offer. That just isn't so. Be aware of your surroundings and always let the light of Christ shine through love, kindness, a simple gesture, helping someone, a kind word, encouragement, etc. People may not remember certain things or details that happen, but they will always remember how you made them feel. Colossians 3:12-16 NLV, "God has chosen you. You are holy and loved by Him. Because of this, your new life should be full of loving-pity. You should be kind to others and have no pride. Be gentle and be willing to wait for others. Try to understand other people. Forgive each other. If you have something against someone, forgive him. That is the way the Lord forgave you. And to all these things, you must add love. Love holds everything and everybody together and makes all these good things perfect. Let the peace of Christ have power over your hearts. You were chosen as a part of His body. Always be thankful. Let the teaching of Christ and His words keep on living in you. These make your lives rich and full of wisdom. Keep on teaching and helping each other."
Until next time,
-Pat-