It’s been my experience when I travel to a foreign country that I must look American. They just know it. What if God’s kingdom works like that? People know we’re part of God’s family by how we carry ourselves--what we say, how we say it, what we do, where we go, or where we don’t go.
Jesus indicated that we would be known by our love for others. John 13:34-35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples if you love one another.” Everyone will be able to see it!
Peter reminds early believers, in 1 Peter 2:12, “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.”
Our lifestyles tell a lot about the kingdom we are associated with. Paul wrote to the folks in Colossae about how to conduct themselves. Colossae was located in the tri-city region of the Lycus valley, known for its refreshing cold springs but also for its devastating earthquakes. In a place where both blessings and curses were recognized, it was important to live a life that reflected a blessing.
Colossians 3:12-14, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
These words were true for them as much as they are true for us. People may not always be convinced of what makes America great by reading the headlines, but when they get to know people that belong to the kingdom of God, I hope they see what a blessing really looks like! Be the light!
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