If I saw, you out and about on any given day would I know you were a Christian in the way you present yourself to the world? I think it’s important for all of us to consider how a stranger might describe our conduct.
The other day I stopped to grab a cup of coffee. As I passed by a table, I saw a college athlete reading his Bible. You don’t see this every day – it moved me so deeply that I had to tell him how awesome I thought it was that he was taking time to read God’s word. Just think what it might mean to an unbeliever to see you reflecting the attributes of Jesus – not just by reading your Bible in public, but through your hard work, your kindness, your patience, and how you consider others before yourself.
Our character and our actions speak. Sometimes people stop listening to our words and focus on our actions. Individuals of all ages are always watching us. We can be the defining factor to the ‘why’ some choose to follow after Jesus.
The world is your platform, your college campus is your stage and you have been given the greatest opportunity bestowed upon mankind; to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Erwin McManus made this statement; talent without character is a dangerous thing. I think we can all attest to that. We have seen some high-profile individuals lose their platform because of moral failure. Some recover and for others, they find it extremely difficult to find their footing again.
Don’t let this be your story, instead strengthen the inner man through God’s word. God has called each of you to stand out, be uniquely you and reflect Him in your conduct. This is an area to take seriously and to learn how to amply exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in your lives. It could make or break your success in the long run, and it could also determine whether or not someone follows Jesus.
Love big, be faithful, be kind, and self-controlled
Your God-calling/talent is worth it.
Galatians 5:22-25 (AMP) – “But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the [c]sinful nature together with its passions and appetites. If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage—our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit].”
