And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.  So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. 

~Galatians 6:9-10

I met someone at church not long ago who was visiting our campus. He was standing around looking lost, so I asked him if I could help him find something or someone. He said he was trying to find the guy who invited him to church. We’ll call that inviter guy “Mark”—because, well, that’s his name. I told this man (we’ll call him “Chris”—I don’t remember his actual name) that I just saw Mark, and then I asked someone else who was walking by to go get him. In the meantime, I asked Chris how he knew Mark…this is where the story gets interesting.

Chris proceeded to tell me that he met Mark earlier that week. At a car accident. Um, their accident. Where Chris’s car hit Mark’s car. And, as they waiting for the police to arrive to the scene, Mark started a conversation with Chris about Jesus. Although I’m not aware of the exact conversation details, Chris said that Mark invited him to church (because Chris did not have a relationship with Jesus and did not attend any church). [In fact, I think that Mark may have even forfeited making a report about the accident in exchange for Chris agreeing to come to church.] I stood there, jaw agape, as I listened to Chris tell me this story. As usual, our pastor had been slinging the gospel that morning, so I asked Chris what he thought of the sermon. He said, “It was interesting—he is a great speaker.” When I asked if he’d come back again, he answered in the affirmative…I hope he did. 

Once we found Mark, I handed Chris off to him—but not before I gave Mark a huge (and tearful) hug of appreciation and awe. And every time I share this story, I’m equally as astounded by Mark’s love of people and the gospel. 

But it’s not just Mark. The following week—just before our church’s massive beach baptism—I met a couple standing at the door between services. Again, they seemed to be waiting or seeking something/someone. When I started a conversation with them, they told me they were waiting for someone who was attending the post-service Baptism class. “Oh! That’s awesome,” I replied. “Who is it?” What the wife (we’ll call her “Susan”) shared absolutely floored me. 

See, Susan drives an Uber. And earlier that week she picked up a couple of teenage boys to take them to school—who knew that was a thing. During the drive, Susan spoke to the boys about Jesus and invited them to church, giving them her phone number to reach out if they’d like to go. Well, on Saturday, one of the boys (age 16) called Susan, asking if she could pick him up on Sunday and take him to church with her and her husband. They did—with joy. But the greatest joy? That young man gave his life to Jesus during that church service…and decided to take his next step of faith immediately by going to baptism class in preparation of beach baptism the following week. 

Honestly, I am privileged to experience this literally each Sunday as I speak with individuals of every name-a-category. These people who seem to be asking God, “Lord, show me where can I join You in Your work today.” Oh, friend, this is how God grows His Kingdom—through us! We plant, water, cultivate—He brings the fruitful harvest. It’s not up to us to “close every deal”—although sometimes we do get that joy! We are simply to look for opportunities to show and share the love of Jesus. And, what continues to amaze me, beloved, is when we ASK and when we LOOK, opportunities abound. Even in the aftermath of a car wreck or while driving an Uber to pay the bills. 

God is on the move here where I live—and He’s on the move wherever you are. Beloved, let’s greet each morning with this incredibly powerful, eternity-changing prayer: 

Lord, where can I join You in Your work today? Show me where—and with whom—You want me to shine Your light, extend an invitation to church or share the Good News of Jesus. 

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.  And not only this, but we also celebrate in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

~Romans 5:8-11

If you have cried out to Jesus as your Lord and Savior amid deep desperation (or in a light-bulb recognition or from exhausted surrender), you are an amazing, jaw-dropping miracle. You have been redeemed—paid for in full. Justified by grace, through faith. Reconciled to God, who moments before, was your enemy. You have gone from death to life. 

From that moment, you are not only a new creation in Christ, but the Holy Spirit now lives in you—He is your Helper and Teacher (John 14:26), Intercessor (Romans 8:26). Sometimes, the Lord will allow for immediate deliverance (from cussing, alcohol, drugs, selfishness)…other times, He works through the Holy Spirit, brothers and sisters in Christ, and tribulations to whittle away our sin and fleshly desires. Each step in our sanctification its own immense miracle.

So, when life’s circumstances have you asking (or begging) God to show Himself miraculous, but He is seemingly silent, do not despair! When you feel alone, abandoned, or discouraged, perhaps frustrated by the seeming absence of God in your storm, do not forget! Walk over to the nearest mirror, gaze at your image—dropping all that self-condemnation—and remind yourself of a great miracle: You are in Christ, a child of the King, a citizen of Heaven.

You are not perfect—neither are your circumstances or the people in your life. But you are no longer dead to your sin, awaiting the deserved wrath of God. No, sweet friend, you are alive, a new creation, in Christ. And “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). Trust Him. And when you interact with others in your church (or out in the world) who have also been saved by grace through faith, see them as the miracles they are too! (Yes, even the sandpaper people.) Oh, and when our daily activities bring us into contact with the lost (the walking dead), with whom frustrations easily rise (perhaps even anger), look at them for who they are: potential miracles. Each person, in their bad attitudes, cussing, or outright hatred for God, could at any moment become a new creation in Christ. Why not step out in boldness to start a spiritual conversation or invite them to church? As followers of Christ, we are, after all, called to be part of His miracle-making team.

As you’ve been walking with the Lord, I am confident that you have seen the evidence of our miraculous Creator God—even unbelievers see a stunning sunrise or the countless stars and know (Romans 1:20). You’ve likely experienced specific blessings, healing, a job or provision at just the right time. Praise God! Let us, like the Israelites with their ebenezers (1 Samuel 7:12), make mental or written monuments to His work in our lives. But when those aforementioned times of forgetfulness come, when we can’t seem to recall His faithfulness when we’re in the middle of a storm, stop…walk over to the nearest mirror…inhale and exhale His breath within your lungs…and thank God for the greatest miracle of all: Your salvation.

Lord, remind me. Remind me of Your great love for me, that while I was still Your enemy, You saved me, making me part of Your family. Remind me, in my dark nights of the soul, that I am a miracle.

Now on one of those days Jesus and His disciples got into a boat, and He said to them, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.” So they launched out. But as they were sailing along He fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind descended on the lake, and they began to be swamped and to be in danger. They came up to Jesus and woke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm. And He said to them, “Where is your faith?” But they were fearful and amazed, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that He commands even the winds and the water, and they obey Him?” 

~ Luke 8:22-25

I love rollercoasters. At an amusement park, I could hop from one coaster to another, all day, no issues. Sadly, the older I got, the less my new inner-ear status could handle…so, currently, I can do maybe one rollercoaster ride (no loops allowed) over an entire day. As fun as being on the rides are, it’s even amusing to observe other people’s experiences. Many people squeal with delight and joy, leaning into the ups, downs, and twists. Others ride sans fear or delight—kind of a “been here, done this” attitude (especially if they’ve ridden that particular ride numerous times and know with certainty exactly what to expect along the way). For some, overreactive terror assails them, even though they are safely strapped in and know it will end in a mere 75 seconds or so—it’s as if their whole life is out of control. But the coaster’s path, speed, and duration are completely planned and orchestrated by the maker.

And when the ride is over, and the train slows to a complete stop, we’ll all get off together. Same ride, vastly different experiences.

Reading the event in the Bible when Jesus calms the storm reminded me of the rollercoaster experience. In Luke’s account, Jesus says, “Let’s cross to other side of the lake.” It’s as if He said, “Strap in, boys, we’re going for a ride.” (He knew exactly that a storm was coming, by the way, it’s arrival and duration.) Not that this is recorded in God’s Word, but let’s use our sanctified imaginations…the wind and waves rise up…maybe James and John are whooping and wooing like bronco riders, familiar with the raging waters…Peter, also a lifelong fisherman, knew the danger and held on tightly in expectation of the boats ups and downs…perhaps for Nathanael and Philip, though, trepidation turned to terror as the storm escalated—that’s when they went running to Jesus, crying that their death was surely imminent.

Same boat, vastly different experiences. 

Now, it’s not recorded if all of the disciples on the boat responded the same way, or if they had different reactions to the storm as imagined above. But the facts are clear: (1) Jesus initiated the journey across the water, and He said they’d get to the other side; (2) They’ve seen Him always do what He says; and (3) Jesus was right there with them—and He was sleeping peacefully. 

For believers, life is like being strapped into a rollercoaster. There will be the anticipatory climbs, joyous mountaintop moments, twists and turns, and rapid descents that elicit a sense of impending doom. Through it all, beloved, we don’t need to fear circumstances or man or the enemy (Psalm 118:6; Hebrews 13:6; Psalm 56:11; Matthew 10:28). After all, the facts are clear: (1) Jesus initiated our journey with Him—He saved us through His victory and will complete the work He started (Philippians 1:6); (2) Starting with the very miracle of our salvation, I know that we can all look back to see promise kept after blessing given; and (3) Jesus will never leave us or forsake us—He’s sitting right with us on the ride, through every stomach-dropping, heart-pounding, laughter-exploding moment (Deuteronomy 31:6; Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 28:20).

Ultimately, sweet friend, our ride is in the hands of the Maker. He has designed our unique adventure purposefully and perfectly for each of us (Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28-30). So, let’s choose to trust Him in every season…and simply enjoy the ride.

Lord, give me the sweet perspective of faithful trust and confidence, so that my fears are relieved, by trepidations calmed, and my joys are stayed on You—whatever the rollercoaster circumstances of my life.

Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

~Psalm 55:22

Distraction. It’s all around us. Maybe you’re a news junkie getting caught up in the political vitriol, or you doomscroll your socials through the day to see what other people are up to (i.e., to judge yourself as “more than” or “less than”). Perhaps each morning you hesitantly get on the scale in order to determine if today will be “good” or “bad”. Our family members are sick. Friends suffer unfathomable loss. Gas and food prices keep going up. Wars rage on. Do you feel your heartrate elevate?

Even if, as a believer, your sole focus is on your church life and spiritual family (avoiding panicking talking heads), this realm does not escape the drama that is our broken world. After all, although our brothers and sisters in Christ are new creations and fully justified, they (we all) are not fully sanctified, but fighting the good fight against the fallen flesh. So, there’s illness, loss, and disagreements here too. We even watch some in the church use other believers for their own gain under the guise of being “on the mat” in want of others carrying them to Jesus…when, in reality, they’re simply seeking enablement of their sinful behaviors. 

Yep. Everywhere we look—from the body of death we believers carry around (Romans 7:24) to the walking dead (that is, the unsaved) around us, to the bodies of dead Christians in Nigeria—we can easily get consumed by it all, overcome by anxiety, fear, anger. 

“Good grief,” you’re probably thinking. “Why are you being such a Debbie Downer, Julianne?” Well, this is actually my point. Sweet friend, since Adam handed over dominion of this world to the enemy, Satan’s sole purpose is to crush us—mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually. He aims to keep us from recognizing our need for reconciliation with God. Or, if we’ve already surrendered to Jesus, the Accuser will do his level best to keep us from walking with the Holy Spirit in holy obedience. He hates God, and he hates you…hence, the news, social media, brokenness, and self-condemnation.

But, praise God, Satan has been defeated by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ! As believers, we walk with our Savior in victory through this dark world toward Home. The secret, beloved, is to wake up each day and remember this magnificent fact. When we look to Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our faith, we can stand in awe of Him—fixed on His beautiful face, allowing everything else to fade. In His glorious light, our fears wither (1 John 4:15-18). We can cast our cares on Him, because He cares for us and won’t let us be shaken (1 Peter 5:6-7; Psalm 55:22). We can hand over our righteous anger, because vengeance is His (Romans 12:19). 

So, instead of looking down at the screen or around at the chaos, let’s look up to the Lord—a constant, moment-by-moment necessity. And as we set our eyes on Him, let’s open our grasp of all-things-heavy-laden and hand them over to Him (Matthew 11:28-29). He still has the whole world in His hands, and He’s got you. And me. We just need to trust Him with the mess and know, without a doubt, that He is working all things together for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28).

Oh Lord, it’s so easy to get caught up in the things of this world and be distracted from what really matters—Your glory, Your beauty, the awe of Your Providence. Help me turn my eyes to You and hand over what weighs me down on my race toward Home.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison…

~2 Corinthians 4:16-17

Perhaps it’s the constancy of being called on to pray for brothers and sisters in Christ for a breadth of earthly sufferings: a traumatic injury or illness, a growing cancer, the destruction of homes and lives from storms and fires, the death of a child. Maybe it’s because of the obvious and rapid cultural deterioration all around—mobs advocating for the right to kill babies, the deafening silence on the global slaughter of Christians, the devastating impacts of social media and AI (growing anxiety, the decline of critical thinking, the eradication of true community). Or it could be that I’m getting older and my body is betraying me in new ways each day with more pain and less vitality.

All we have to do is flip open our Bibles to Genesis 3 for that “Oh yeah” moment as to the Big Why of it all. Because of the choice of Adam and Eve in the Garden, humans and all of creation are subject to the curse, the wasting power of sin and death. Our bodies deteriorate over time (despite all those injections). Creation itself kills and dies. Sinful thoughts, words, and actions waste our time, money, energy, emotion—all leading down the path to death (Romans 5:12; Romans 6:23). Even though, in Christ, we are redeemed through the saving grace of Jesus and fully justified through faith, we remain in this fallen world and in a constant battle against our yet-unredeemed flesh (Romans 7:15-20). We await our final redemption when we become fully free from the very presence of sin…and in our glory, we’ll be in a perfected (and very real) body, living in a liberated and glorified Creation.

Sweet friend, please know that our wasting away is never a waste! Suffering, trials, and death will continue until Christ returns. But in it all, we are being made more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18). These sufferings create endurance, character, and hope because of the hope we have in Christ through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:3-5). We will groan in the fallenness of this world and of our body as we wait for our ultimate redemption—even Creation itself groans to be restored to its intended glory (2 Corinthians 5:1-5; Romans 8:22-23). But we can trust that whatever we face has passed through the hand of our Good and Sovereign God. His will and purpose are perfect, and it’s all for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28). For the time being, every tragedy, trauma, crisis, and death is Providential. All we see today is the sin-made knotted, chaotic mess of the underside of life’s quilt…one day, oh one sweet day, we’ll see it from the perspective of glory, savoring the exquisite beauty in every stitch, knowing full well that not a single thread was wasted. 

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 

– Luke 15:20

I’ve always loved hearing people’s stories. How they grew up, the choices—wise and foolish—they’ve made through their lives, their struggles, their triumphs. We’ve all been on an arduous journey to get to where we are…and it’s always breathtaking to travel someone’s path with them through their story. One of my lifelong favorite quotes is by Longfellow: “If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man’s life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility.” 

When I became a Christian as a 30-year-old, I discovered another kind of story that every believer can share: the moment (or slow unveiling) when they realized they were far from God and needed to turn back to Him…the point at which the decision is made to give up the sinful pursuits of this world and give it all to Jesus (who gave it all for us, exchanging our sin for His righteousness). The “churchy” term for this is “testimony”—and every single Christian has one. And it’s always breathtaking. Plus, along with the Truth of God’s Word, our testimony is an integral part of sharing the Good News of the gospel with others.

It’s funny to me, though, because I’ve met lots of Christ-followers through the years who say, “Well, my testimony is so boring.” This typically comes after someone else shares a radical transformation, say from drug addiction or a life a sexual sin, to the amazing grace and freedom found in Jesus. And these types of dramatic stories are awe-inspiring! But, friend, there is no such thing as a “boring” story of salvation. 

Let’s look at the very familiar parable of the prodigal son. A young man who has been safe and provided for in his father’s house decides to go out on his own, chasing after the things of this world. Once he is totally spent (financially, emotionally, spiritually), he turns back home. Before he even arrives, his waiting father runs to him, welcoming him home with joy and celebration (Luke 15:11-32).  

Prior to surrendering to Jesus, every one of us has that turning-back moment (this is “repentance”). And it is profound—and radical—for everyone. Why? Because a transformational phenomenon takes place at our surrender (or “salvation”). When we choose to reconcile with God through Jesus, we immediately and miraculously move from the darkness into the light, from being a slave to sin to having freedom, from being dead to being alive in Christ!

Maybe you never left the proverbial front porch of your father’s house, e.g., you grew up in a Christian home and were saved at VBS when you were five. Perhaps you were one who wandered out into the yard, but before you stepped into the street you realized going further wouldn’t be smart—so you went home. You may have roamed into town, experiencing lots of the world (maybe through your high school and college-age years) when your eyes opened to the eternal dangers. Or, like me, you may have found yourself wallowing with the pigs before you thought, “This my-way life has got to change.” 

Friend, whatever your story—whenever and however you came to accept the free gift of saving grace—it is profound and radical! It is a miracle, because you were once lost, and now you’re found! You are a miracle.  

Now, go tell someone. 

Lord, I was blind and lost—but You came to rescue me. Thank you for the miracle of salvation. May I be bold and unashamed to share this story of amazing grace with others. 

Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

~Romans 12:17-19

I think it’s safe to say that many Christians struggle with justice and vengeance through their sanctification journey. When we’re wronged by another’s sinful actions, we want justice! We may even fantasize about some “appropriate” revenge for said offender. Oh, but then the Gospel comes flooding back into our mind and spirit: We were once dead in our sins, indulging the desires of our flesh…but God, in His rich mercy, rescued and revived us. Not by our own efforts, but through faith alone, by grace His alone (Ephesians 2:1-10).

Then it happens again. The cruelty of another pummels our life like an ocean wave. A leader in business, politics, even the Church is found out to have done despicable things to image-bearers of God. We hear unconscionable stats about child sex trafficking in our nation, state, and city. We cry out for justice, our minds racing with the pain and retribution we’d inflict. Oh, but the Word of God again washes over us: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44); “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27; “Never repay evil for evil to anyone” (Romans 12:17); and “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). This is inexplicable to the puny human mind, isn’t it? We throw up our hands to the Lord in exasperation, thinking, “What about Your justice, Lord? Certainly, You don’t wink at these atrocities and let these wicked people get away with this!” 

It is the sentence tucked between those “never repay evil for evil” verses in Romans 12 that we typically park on to calm our distress: Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written: “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord (Romans 12:19).

“Yes,” we conclude, “I can take a back seat on the bus of retaliation and watch with satisfaction…God will get them!” Vengeance will be meted out by God. Not by you or me. 

But that verse in Romans 12 was illuminated to me in a fresh way recently that totally reframed His vengeance…and the Gospel truth. See, God is holy and cannot tolerate any unrighteousness. Payment is made for the atrocious sins of “those people” mentioned above—and someone will pay the penalty, which is God’s full wrath. “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” Sweet friend, do you see it? God takes vengeance—He repays! I am counted among “those people”, and so are you. But God took the vengeance—He took on the payment that you and I deserve!

Oh beloved, when we admit we are sinners and believe that Christ’s death and resurrection counted for us, His righteousness is imputed to us—Jesus took our sin and experienced the wrath of God that’s meant for us. That man or woman who hurt you, that politician who abused and raped, that child predator hunting the innocent…wrath will be imposed appropriately! God will take vengeance on them. His wrath will fall—either on them or on Jesus. And it is the very fact that we’ve escaped our own deserved wrath that we can—we must—pray for our enemies and persecutors as Jesus commanded. We were enemies of God when Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). So, if we can go from enemy to friend of Jesus, so can they. 

Oh God, vengeance is Yours. And I am so thankful that Jesus took the wrath that I deserved. Help me to pray that my enemies surrender to You as well, finding their own undeserved mercy and transformation in the Cross.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…

~Romans 1:16a

I’ve been a little obsessed in recent weeks by Peter Marshall, a Scottish immigrant who became a popular pastor and ultimately the chaplain of the US Senate from 1947 to 1948. He has several books, and his wife wrote his biography, so his life, sermons, and powerful prayers are well documented…and surprisingly timely for our culture today. In one of the sermons from Mr. Jones, Meet the Master (which is a collection of his sermons and prayers), Marshall is preaching about the Apostle Peter. Within its pages, there is a little piece—a handful of lines—that was a mic drop moment for me. I’d never considered this perspective, and it sent my mind spinning to its implications for the life of every believer.

In walking through Peter’s infamous (and predicted) denials in the courtyard after Jesus’ arrest, Marshall simply proposed a twist on the initial allegation/denial spoken by the servant girl (Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:54-62; John:18:16-18; 25-27). In all four accounts of this scene when the girl says to Peter, “You were with Jesus,” Peter responds with some form of, “I don’t know Him.” So, what was Marshall’s mind-blowing proposition? It was a simple, “What if?”

What if this young servant girl was not accusing Peter as much as inquiring? What if she was hoping (in her own curiosity about this midnight arrest or from her own deep hurt/need) to find out more about Jesus? What if she’d heard about the healings and wanted to learn about this Miracle Man? What if her words wrapped around a heart cry of, “Tell me how you’re so sure He is the Messiah—I need the Living Water He claims to be.”

But in Peter’s own self-protection—and his intense fear—he reacted with vehement denial of knowing Jesus or anything about Him. His defensiveness and panic got in the way of sharing the Good News of Jesus. (Now, praise God, Peter repented, was restored, and was then empowered by the Holy Spirit to boldly proclaim Jesus as Messiah—even unto penalty of death. But let’s stay in the courtyard for the time being.)

This perspective is very convicting, isn’t it? As followers of Jesus Christ, do we let our fear and self-preservation (or job-preservation or friendship-preservation) get in the way of sharing the Gospel Truth? Sure, if someone asks us if we know Jesus, we likely will not deny Him outright. But what about in that Monday morning meeting when a coworker asks, “So, what did you do over the weekend?”…but your answer stops at Saturday’s hike or beach trip or home project—not about the awesome sermon you heard at church or how you spent the morning serving in kids ministry. What if the group of people you’re with start talking about favorite vacation spots, and you think about your mission trip to Costa Rica, but don’t serve this up in the mix for fear of rolling eyes or behind-your-back snickering. 

But what if? What if hearing about our Sunday in church plants a seed of interest or opens the door to an invitation? What if in our talking about Jesus someone’s spirit is pricked to want to know more? What if, instead of our perceived snickers and eyerolling, we perceive others the way God does: As lost and broken people in need of Good News? Oh, beloved, God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love (2 Timothy 1:6-8)! Let’s go out in boldness for our Lord and Savior! Everyone we interact with is either alive in Christ or dead—why wouldn’t we share the words that lead to life? Our response to a simple question may just change everything.

Oh Lord, forgive me for hiding my love for You for fear of man—what can man do to me? Give me boldness to proclaim Jesus and the life-giving gospel message. 

You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” 

~Romans 2:23-24

Whether we’re reading the words of Jesus in the gospels or any of the New Testament writers, there’s a consistent theme when it comes to the Pharisees (Jewish religious leadership): They’re all about looking the part of “God people”—saying the right things, keeping the Law outwardly, and making sure they are seen and heard as the original “holier than thou” set…but, in reality, their hearts are cold, idolatrous, and judgmental. As Jesus interacted with these Jewish leaders, He not only knew their hearts and saw right through them, He often called them out in front of everyone (check out Matthew 23:1-36 and Luke 18:9-14 for a couple of examples). 

In Romans (and his other letters), it’s the wordsmithing attorney and former Pharisee, Paul, who points his finger at these blind guides that their works-based living is missing the whole point of the Law: we’re not justified (made right in God’s eyes) through keeping the Law, it’s a mirror to show us how we only fall short and a map to guide our lives. It’s only by faith in Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the Law on our behalf, that puts us in right relationship with God. So, praise God for the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, paying for the wrath we deserve and imputing His righteousness to us! None of us can actually “keep the Law”—“There is none righteous, no not one” (Romans 3:9-11)—and that includes the highly religious among us modern-day Christians. Only by God’s grace through faith are we saved. We were dead, now we’re alive. And every single day, we sin, repent, remind ourselves that we’ve been paid in full, and give God praise and glory. (At least, I pray it is so!)

Given these facts, why is it so easy to look down our noses and judge the behaviors/lifestyle of unbelievers when we were once dead ourselves? Even worse, why do we weigh the words and actions of other believers against some personal pharisaical “sanctification checklist” in our head, seeing them fall short of what we would do? Oh, beloved, that we would all remind ourselves (a) where we came from (blind, lost, dead) and (b) that every believer’s sanctification journey (walk toward holiness and glory) is on a different path and pace. We’re called to evangelize the lost and encourage/edify the believer. Not judge. Oh, but there’s more ouchy news.

It’s not just our own judgmentalism toward others that reflects poorly on our profession of faith as believers. See Paul’s illumination to us in Romans 2:23-24: Even as “church people” and professing followers of Jesus Christ, we can actually speak and act in a way that dishonors God such that others are not only NOT DRAWN to Jesus but respond by TURNING AWAY from Him. Because of us. Because of me.

We are called to be salt and light in this decaying and dark world, drawing others to the Lord. So, even in our unique sanctification journeys, we can’t excuse—or pursue—sinful behavior under the umbrella of God’s grace (see Romans 6!) We’re free from the bondage of sin…yet we’ll be in a battle with our old, fleshly self until we leave this life for the next. But, sweet friend, as we work out our salvation to live holy lives in response to what Christ has done for us, we must also be motivated by how we reflect Jesus to others. To constantly think, “What will they think of Christ because of me?” We raise our voice in righteous indignation to the customer service rep. We use our vehicle to demonstrate frustration with others. We let our impatience bubble up through our vocal cords into sarcasm or vitriol. (Or is this just me?) How often, after these kinds of responses, do we consider: What would they say if, right now, I shared the gospel or even invited them to church? They’d likely shake their head, scoff, and walk away…from us and maybe even the Lord. 

Hear me out: This is NOT a motivation like with the Pharisees who ask themselves, “What will they think of me?” No! Our “me” is taken completely out of the equation! As ambassadors of the King and His kingdom, our whole lives—thoughts, words, actions—are meant to represent and glorify Him (Matthew 5:16). As believers, our joy, prayers, and praise aren’t just for Sundays and time with our church friends when “holy living” is easier…our holiness, through the grace of Jesus, is for every moment of every day. When we’re squeezed, when our expectations aren’t met, when the world’s darkness presses in. So, beloved, join me in praying diligently that others see Jesus and want to know God because of us.

Heavenly Father, I repent for giving in to my flesh and responding to circumstances contrary to who I am in Christ. Help me live every day as light and salt, drawing others to you—not making them stumble or, worse, turn further from You. Make my life an instrument of Your grace, mercy, and love…that others know You because of me.