Turn against the current

“′Cause I want my life to preach

“Every breath, every beat

“I want my life to preach.”

Those are the first words of the chorus in a current Christian music song by Ryan Stevenson and Matt Hammitt.

I catch this tune occasionally on the radio while driving to work.

I don’t know anything about the background of the musicians, but I do know the lyrics of this song bring me into focus about the day ahead.

How I live my life is a sermon to others who are watching me. They know I say I’m a Christian.

Matthew 5:16 (KJV) – “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

My actions, as the adage goes, speak louder than words.

And I can be pretty loud when I’m speaking, so that adds even more to the perspective of how vocal our actions are when others are watching.

So be sure in your daily life to “preach away” with how you act, and top it off with those direct questions about Jesus and salvation.

1 John 2:6 (KJV) – “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”

Now, disciple, your life is a bold witness. Be sure to live it out according to Jesus’ example, walking in love as Christ has loved us.

Ephesians 5:1-2 (KJV) – “1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”

3 Questions for now

Sometimes I think the questions we ask about witnessing to others should be directed toward ourselves.

We need to make sure we’re living as we should, presenting a life that “preaches” Jesus to others.

Here are questions to ask about you:

• Are the words I say relaying a Christ-like example?

• Do my physical reactions to tense moments exemplify a Christ-like response?

• Am I showing simple acts of kindness to others without seeking acknowledgment?

Take a moment to pause and look at yourself.

I know it revealed a lot about me.

Be kind. Love others. Be bold.

Shawn’s noodling rant:

(“Noodling” is a term I swiped from my mentor. The meaning is to “ponder” or “think deeply about” a topic that God is challenging us with through scripture or the Holy Spirit, or both.)

Don’t be a ‘dead fish floating’

I enjoy sharing ideas and thoughts with analogies, metaphors and real-life examples that help me relay the meaning of a topic being discussed.

These help me weave into a conversation what I want to say without sounding like a “know-it-all.” And I think people respond to this type of conversation because they can quickly connect with something within the example I give.

An insight I heard recently struck a chord with me. And I think it makes a distinct point for anyone reading this today.

“The opposite for courage is not cowardice … it’s conformity.

“Even a dead fish can go with the flow.”

Let me state that again in an effort to noodle some more on this:

“The opposite for courage is not cowardice … it’s conformity.

“Even a dead fish can go with the flow.”

That was a statement from Jim Hightower, who is a syndicated columnist, radio commentator and acclaimed author.

The book jacket of one of his works describes him as “America’s most irascible and hilarious curmudgeon.”

As a native Texan, I can relate to that attitude toward life.

I don’t know if Hightower is a Christian, but these words are worth some noodling.

When you sit back and think about the dead fish observation for living one’s life, you might be caught aback about where you are in your Christian walk – your commitment to action based on your faith in Jesus as Savior for all.

Jesus didn’t flow with the current of the day.

Matthew 16:26 (KJV) – “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Conformity – floating along seeking profit and giving up oneself – doesn’t provide the gains the world promises. God’s will is for us to be an example for Christ in this world, to stand out – go against the flow.

Romans 12:2 (KJV) – “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Keep in mind I’m basing this “dead fish” assessment on what God has shown me through His word as something I need to focus on – improve my walk and get moving in a direction that aligns with Jesus’ nonconformity to this world.

1 Peter 2:21 (KJV) – “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.”

Now, disciple, are you just floating along with the current of this world or are you working against the flow in a way that imitates Jesus?

Try turning into the current of life today in relation to following Christ. You’ll come alive in doing so.