Living a Good Life - Wholly Loved - Dec. 21

Living a Good Life
Kristi Woods

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Philippians 1:27

Folks tell stories with their lives. Maybe that’s why I love people watching so much. But just as I study others, they do the same with me. As Christians, you and I are wise to remain alert and mindful of our actions.

Several years ago, I ambled into a hair salon. A common entry connected the beauty salon and barbershop, and since the salon side appeared dark, I decided to wait on the busy side with the barbers.

My calendar assured I had an appointment at 1:00 PM. At five minutes after, I waited. At ten after, the same, fifteen after too. Thirty minutes later, still no stylist appeared.

As I stood to leave, a barber struck up conversation. Although I hadn’t noticed, he’d been watching me. The man mentioned my patience. Inside I laughed because that’s not one of my strengths. But it is one of God’s, and we’re told to exercise it (1 Cor. 13:4-5, Gal. 5:22).

Later, I realized my appointment wasn’t until the following day. I was early! It makes me chuckle now, but consider the impact of what happened versus what could have occurred.

Patience opened a door for the barber and me to talk about my faith in Jesus. I shudder to think what impatience might have stolen. What kind of example of Christ would it have produced?

As Christians, we’re walking testimonies of our God. The way we live influences others, especially non-believers. Our actions, when grounded in Christ, have the power to point to the hope of heaven and love of Jesus.

How about you? Whether convenient or inconvenient, with believers or nonbelievers, are you living in a way that shines the light of Christ? Do your deeds point to Him? Let’s encourage one another to live well, asking the Lord to empower us for His glory.

Kristi Woods is a Wholly Loved Ministries team member and former pew sitter, longs to see women transform from Sunday pew sitters to Monday through Sunday worshipers. Kristi, a writer and speaker, blogs regularly and offers faith-building tools for walking deeper with God at www.KristiWoods.net. She contributes monthly at iBelieve.com and Crosswalk.com and is published in various Chicken Soup for the Soul publications. Kristi, her husband, and their three children survived a nomadic, military lifestyle, and have set roots in Oklahoma. Connect with Kristi at KristiWoods.net.

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