People can do a lot of things because of us. They can get frustrated, irritated, angry; they can be tempted into sin; they can want to do anything to not be like us or around us; and on and on and on.
My daily Bible reading yesterday was Galatians 1, and the very last verse of that chapter seems to have lodged itself in my brain. Paul was telling about his visit to some of the churches, and in verse 24 he simply says, "And they praised God because of me."
Isn't that a beautiful thought? To think that after having been with people their response was to praise God. Wow. That's the kind of person I want to be. I'm not sure exactly what that would look like, but I would think I would need to be someone who was sincere, but also fun to be around; someone who was full of the love, joy, peace, patience, etc. of Galatians 5:22-23; someone who was in touch with their creator/sustainer; someone who wasn't all about themselves, but was about helping people see God FOR themselves. Someone who was a blessing to others. Yeah... and there are probably other things I'm not even thinking of. Perhaps you have an idea. Feel free to share it.
It's certainly something to think about as you visit with friends, family, co-workers, people who wait on you in stores and restaurants, and... basically anytime you're around people. "And they praised God because of me."
2 comments:
I think sometimes 'because of me' could be a very simple act. Perhaps the 'me' doesn't even know. I think there are times when the grumpiest, angriest, cynical people can still cause others to praise God. They may impart a bit of wisdom, they may be the ones to actually say what you should be hearing and not what you want to be hearing, they may be the one to offer assistance or knowledge.
Just yesterday I spoke with someone who is self-proclaimed to be obnoxious, rude, cynical...but he had seen something in me that he felt needed talked about. He cares about me even despite some of his traits. No one else has said the things to me that he did. He was right...and I praise God that he had the heart and courage to say what I needed to hear.
Good point, Shell. God still works in mysterious ways. Thanks!
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