YOU ARE A WALKING TESTIMONY
Daphne Powell
Today’s Scripture: “They said to you, ‘In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.’ It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.” Jude 1:18-19, ESV
Theme: Negative, complaining, and/or sarcastic comments cause trouble and division. Don't be distracted or join in the negativity; follow the Holy Spirit’s leading instead.
PURPOSE
When you do things for the Lord, have you stopped to ask why? Was there a sign-up sheet? Did someone ask you? Maybe you want to make a change in the world. Have you gone to Him in prayer to see what He is leading you to do? When you don’t understand your purpose, it is easy to let negative talk and negative people sow doubt.
To know your purpose, you must be willing to be stretched. You sometimes have to walk alone. You will encounter people who do not have a purpose and, because of jealousy, will try to dampen your light. But when we just keep to what God has given us to do, our Father’s light shines bright.
The mistake we can make is when we let the success of our purpose become all about you. Give Him glory always and stay humble so that negativity will not bother you because you understand your mission.
EXAMPLE
Non-believers and even Jesus followers, when stuck in a negative place, can become negative. They unknowingly sow division because their spirits are broken. But what they need to see is someone who is willing to share their testimony, willing to offer the hope of Jesus, someone who does not join in when they gossip and talk negative.
If you think that they aren’t watching, they are. But what they are looking to see is how we will respond when things are going wrong, when we encounter negative people, and when we face discouraging situations. We must not engage in negativity and instead, share His Word and show how your Father extends mercy, grace, and forgiveness.
PLANT
The Parable of the Sower is a powerful message. Sometimes after serving for a long time, you wonder if you are making a difference. But in the parable, you learn that there are different types of soil. If we are following our purpose and being an example, just plant and keep planting...and let the Lord water and grow the seed.
When we don’t understand our purpose, we can let the negative talk creep in and make us sometimes doubt if we are making a difference. Take captive your thoughts and words. Stay in His Word and obey.
TIME
There are 24 hours each day. How much of your day do you give to Him? Do you start the day off with quiet time? Allowing yourself time to prepare for the battles by spending time with God helps tremendously. Do you go throughout the day praying and staying connected to Him? Ask for strength and wisdom to deal with people who do not believe. And do you end the day on your knees, thanking God for another day to have been a walking testimony? Try it this week.
Make It Personal: At work, I have been told on many occasions that I am always happy. I explain that I am not always happy, but I am always at peace. I then explain I am not walking through this world alone; I have a Father who is my doctor, lawyer, teacher, preacher, healer, caretaker, and way maker. I put on my armor to stay protected, and I hope that when you see me, you know that I am a Jesus follower. I am not perfect, and I will get things wrong, but I stay away from negative talk because I know my purpose is bigger than me.
Pray: Dear Lord, please help me to block out the negative. Help me to be an instrument for good so that when people see me, they see You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen
Read: Galatians 5:22; 2 Timothy 3:1-4, 10; Matthew 25:40; 1 Chronicles 16:11; Luke 8:4-15
Weekly Memory Verse:
“Then he said to me, ‘This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.’” Zechariah 4:6, ESV