lead our lives | Courage for Today

Guilty as Charged

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” (Matthew 5:14)

I have had the pleasure, or displeasure depending on your perspective, of being selected for Jury Duty on three different occasions. The first time I was selected, I was actually pretty excited. I just knew I was going to see some exciting courtroom drama. The lawyers were going to argue back and forth. Someone was going to get thrown out of the courtroom. Then, at the very end of the trial, one of the lawyers was going to surprise the courtroom with some newly found evidence that swayed the outcome of the case. Then, I would join all the other Jurors for deliberations that went on for days while the one lone Juror held out hoping to sway all of the rest of us to change our decisions. Just like on TV.

I was sadly disappointed when I never even got selected to be a Juror. Just endless waiting to be chosen, only to be sent home for another day.

As Christians, we’re charged with the responsibility to be the Light of the World. I suppose this could mean many things but, to me, it means that we should all lead our lives in a manner that would set an example for others. As we lead our lives with integrity and honor and Christian love, our testimony and example are what make those that aren’t Christian want to be like us. We’re supposed to be different, not in an arrogant or “we’re better than everyone else” mode, but different in a humble and positive way so that others will be drawn to the Christian faith by our examples. Sadly, I’ve not always been successful in doing this. I haven’t always set the example I needed to set although that is always my goal.

Imagine yourself on trial before an imaginary Jury of your peers. You are charged by the courts with being a Christian. The question before the Jury is this: Is there enough evidence presented to convict you of being a Christian? Will this imaginary Jury come back undecided or unable to determine that there is enough evidence to convict you, or will they find you guilty as charged?

Courage Thoughts for Today:

What evidence is there against you that would prove you’re a Christian?
Are you spending time (as a good lawyer) trying to change the minds of others that you really are a Christian?
Do you need to throw yourself upon the mercy of the “court” and ask God for forgiveness?

Other Posts You May Enjoy

How God’s Grace and Mercy Guides and Protects Us in Life

Finding Strength in God During Times of Crisis

Understanding God’s Role in Helping Us Forgive Those We Struggle to Forgive

Your Legacy For a Lifetime

Self-Worth

I never cared much for History during High School and College, but over the years I’ve learned to be a student of History. In my school years, I never saw much relevance in learning about Revolutions and Kings and Conquests, but old age has a way of mellowing us and giving us a new perspective in life.

There is really so much to learn when reading various biographies. You learn about the person’s childhood and upbringing; their family life and schooling; and you learn about how they were placed in certain circumstances at certain times for certain actions. You learn about how they handled adversity and how their lives affected others. History is full of stories both positive and negative; both tragic and inspiring.

Each of these historical figures has a legacy or a reputation. Mention any historical figure and I would imagine that you immediately conjure up some image or picture of that person, good or bad. As Christians, we’re charged with being the light of the World. When we accept Christ as our Savior, we become “new” in HIM. We are to lead our lives in such a way that others will see something different. The way we lead our lives should draw others to Christ.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is this: we all influence others. Whether that influence is good or bad is up to us. My challenge for you is to lead your life in such a way that others will say they’re a better person for having known you.

When your name is mentioned to others, what will be your Legacy?

Convicted in Your Faith

Faith

There have been so many courtroom TV shows over the years, even currently. Of course, you’ve got the old standard, Perry Mason and such classics as Matlock; LA Law; and today’s Law and Order. I’m sure there are many more, but those are just some of the names I remember. Then, you have the reality show courtroom dramas such as People’s Court; Judge Judy; and Judge Joe Brown. They are quite entertaining, but I’m not sure how realistic they are.

Typically, you have a case that can’t be won, handled by a lawyer that never loses, that ends with a courtroom victory for this fabulous lawyer. Justice prevails and all the world is right, at least until the next episode.

I was sadly disappointed when I never even got selected to be a Juror. Just endless waiting to be chosen, only to be sent home for another day.

As Christians, we’re charged with the responsibility to be the Light of the World. I suppose this could mean many things but, to me, it means that we should all lead our lives in a manner that would set an example for others. As we lead our lives with integrity and honor and Christian love, our testimony and example is what makes those that aren’t Christian want to be like us. We’re supposed to be different, not in an arrogant or “we’re better than everyone else” mode, but different in a humble and positive way so that others will be drawn to the Christian faith by our examples.

Sadly, I’ve not always been successful in doing this. I haven’t always set the example I needed to set. I’ve let others down when I could have done more. Probably, if we’re honest, we’ve all had times when we’ve not set the Christian example we should.

Imagine yourself on trial before an imaginary jury of your peers. You are charged with being a Christian. The question before the Jury is this: is there enough evidence presented to convict you of being a Christian? Or, will the Jury come back undecided and unable to determine that there is enough evidence?

Would you be convicted?