Welcome to a New Year! As usual, we begin the year with lots of new potential mixed in with unfortunate old habits. Resolutions are made: some realistic, most not. The looming threat of the end of the world is made less threatening by the state of the economy and the upcoming U.S. elections. In the meantime, we wonder "Where is Jesus?"
Want to find Jesus? It's easy, really, when we choose to deliberately seek him out.
- The man who walks his dog along the highway every morning and waves cheerfully at passing cars ... that's a Jesus sighting.
- The shopper who helps you reach an item on a high shelf ... Jesus sighting.
- The co-worker who holds the door to the building open for you when you're running late ... Jesus sighting.
- Your kids doing their chores without complaining ... that's a Jesus sighting too!
We experience these things and blow them off as people just being nice and considerate and helpful. But these experiences relieve burdens right?
- The man walking his dog and waving might lift your spirits.
- The shopper helps you in a practical timely way.
- The co-worker is being courteous and helping you get to work on time.
- Your kids? Well, one less battle is always a blessing when you're a parent.
In Galatians 6:2, Paul writes: Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Jesus says in Johnn 15:10-12: If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
Sometimes the smallest word or gesture of kindness is all it takes to show the love of Christ to another person. It doesn't matter whether that person is an acquaintance or a stranger. That tiny sacrifice we put forth may be the difference between despair and joy.
Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for all people. How can we withhold any amount of sacrifice to show God's glory?
Happy New Year! May your days be filled with Jesus-sightings and may you be responsible for Jesus-sightings in 2012!
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