Open up your life to me. Be real. Let me in and let me see that what you believe shapes who you are. Speak into my life by the way you live yours and watch me bloom. I am attracted to the life you live when I see authenticity and love. Did you know this is true?
You can tell me all day what I’m supposed to do. You can teach me how and explain why it’s important. But, if you SHOW me, I am more likely to do it. Experience speaks loudly. Your story makes what you are saying real and so much more meaningful to me.
What does it mean to be a witness? This quote from Pope Paul VI is rich. Do as I say, not as I do? Yea, that’s never worked well with kids and it doesn’t float with others either. What we do matters.
In Deuteronomy 4 today, Moses is calling Israel to hold to the statutes and decrees that the Lord has given them, because it will have an impact on the people they will be living among. Israel was to be the big brother that showed all the other kids how much their Father loved them. They failed many times, but the call was still there. God knew that just a list of rules would not convert hearts, but a people living rightly, would show the beauty and wisdom of God’s call.
Our world today is so busy searching for happiness and freedom and they have lost sight of the fact that a truly happy and free person is one who lives in a way that honors how they’ve been created. We have an ‘owners manual’ and have been imprinted on a ‘soul level’ with the image and likeness of God. Our bodies and souls work best in certain situations. To treat them differently only hurts ourselves. It’s like putting diesel fuel in an engine created for unleaded gas. It can cause some serious problems.
If we will all begin, as Christians, to live LIVES THAT ARE AUTHENTIC, we can begin to change the world. It starts with us, but it ripples out to all who we engage on a daily basis.
For example, a husband and wife who show in their marriage self-gift and unconditional love, will demonstrate to the world what the Love of the Holy Trinity truly looks like.
If a father demonstrates in the life of his family, real spiritual leadership balanced with love and devotion for the well being of his children, he teaches them what the Father’s love looks like.
And if we, as Christians, offer mercy and forgiveness to a world hurting and searching for love, we will demonstrate that our God is a God of second chances (and third, and fourth etc.). We can bring prodigals home to their Father and be a part of the celebration, not a jealous older brother who doesn’t understand.
Consider what areas in your life need to be reevaluated and adjusted. Where are you not holding true to the teachings of Christ? Lent is a time of mercy and repentance. If we begin to walk with Jesus with intention and let our lives be a true witness to the grace and mercy of our God, I believe we will change the world.
What do you think?
XOXO,
Barb
Reflections of a Cute Lil Mom 