| People are watching you. If they know you’re a Christian, they are really watching. And sometimes they’re watching when you least expect it.
The other day I purchased a new computer (my old one had crashed). Instead of making life simpler, the new computer had me lost in a sea of special commands and option keys. I flipped open my owner’s manual and rang up the 800-number. A machine answered and presented me with layers of messages to work my way through. That only added to my frustration. Finally I spoke to a real person. “Hi, I’m Michelle, and I’m here to help you. First, what’s your name?”
I growled, “Joni—spelled J-o-n-i but pronounced ‘Johnny.’ I hope you can help me.”
After a silence on the other end, Michelle said, “Are you the Joni Eareckson Tada?”
I’d been caught. Here I was about to chew out this lady and her computer company, but she knew who I was. She said with a laugh, “I know who you are, so you can’t get too frustrated with me!” At that point we both laughed; she was right.
Should you, as a Christian, weigh every word? Never tell a lie? Always keep your temper under control? Say only what you mean and mean what you say? Of course. When you name the name of Christ, people expect you to act like him. Is that a bad thing? Not at all; for the Christian, it’s reasonable.
Now, you can do your part well and build up other Christians as well as make unbelievers thirsty for God, or you can act out your frustrations and defame Christ’s name. You have received a high calling—even when your computer isn’t working.
Lord Jesus, enable me to live in a way that honors you. When others aren’t looking or when I think I’m anonymous, remind me that you see me and know just who I am. |
