DISQUS

Amydeanne · 2 years ago

This was a great pick for quotes! It's made me think a lot over the past few days!
I can honestly say from once feeling pefectly snug in the "Christian culture" after falling down, I sure have a hard time feeling like I fit in with the crowd... don't get me wrong, it's not the worship I have a hard time with, it's what we don't show that I have a hard time with, kwim?!
hugs and prayers!

Becky · 2 years ago

I have thought about this quote so much in the past few days, looking for inspiration. I finally decided to do some soul searching to see how my life compares with Christ's. As you can imagine, it pales in comparison. I loved your post!

Heather · 2 years ago

Wonderful, Laurel.

You know, I think in our church our pastor is such an example of this . Not only does he ride a motercycle (in black leather) and hunt (he collects knives and guns) but he also loves to dress as a cowboy. He and our head maintainence guy both belong to Christian Bikers. And our music minister? Shaved bald with an earring and wears trendy clothes to church. It really opens peoples eyes to the truth when they realize (by their actions) that these men are Christians, and it is a help to all of us to see how we can be an esample of Christ, and that that doesn't mean we have to wear suits or prim little dresses everyday to "look like" a Christian. It lso helps knowing that we are expected, wherever we go and whomever we are with to let Christ shine through, and they are a visual reminder of that.

Katherine@Raising Five · 2 years ago

I had a mentor whose favorite line was, "God is looking for men and women of character." I think you said this so perfectly. It's not what's on the outside, it's who you are that people will see. Thanks for this!

Crystal · 2 years ago

Awesome quote.....thank you for challenging my thinking. It's been a blessing.

eph2810 · 2 years ago

Forgot to wish you a blessed Tuesday - sorry, Laurel...

Chris · 2 years ago

This makes me think, "does the clerk at the grocery store or the waiter at our favorite restrauant know we are Christians, not because we pray over our meal, but by the way we behave and respond?"

Loni · 2 years ago

Thanks for sharing this excellent quote. It had me thinking quite a bit, and so appreciate the convictions it brought about. THANK YOU!

Taya · 2 years ago

What a wonderful choice for a quote this week! Your post was so good too! Thank you!

Janean · 2 years ago

Thank you for hosting today!
I appreciate what you had to say...I wrote mine Sunday and I see we had much the same impression from the chosen quote (though I feel yours' is much more well-written :D)

MiPa · 2 years ago

Thank you for this quote! It summed up so well what God has been teaching in my life about not becoming a Pharisee. It is so easy to miss the opportunity because it does not "look" like our brand of "righteousness." Which so often says what I call righteous is not right for anyone else.

Denise · 2 years ago

Beautifully said, thanks for sharing.

Terri · 2 years ago

It was such a great quote, I even played! Really inspiring, Laurel.
Your post was wonderful--so much so I actually thought, hmm, maybe I shouldn't publish mine but I'm stretching myself and that's a good thing.

Blessings~

Elisa · 2 years ago

Laurel, thanks for this challenging quote and your unpacking of it.

I am in awe at how the Lord has used the times I've participated in IOW to speak to me throughout the weekend and following week. Your post echos what I gleaned from Reid's comment, and has really struck a chord with me. Thanks again!

Blessings,
Elisa

Christine · 2 years ago

Great quote today! I love the biker reference, they have such a great ministry.

Sarah · 2 years ago

I got my Masters Degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and Dr. Alvin Reid was/is a professor of Evangelism there. He is an amazing speaker and evangelist. I am so glad that you got to hear him at your church and your son learned from him for a weekend. Very Cool!

Especially Heather · 2 years ago

I love this quote! I pulled out an archived post that I had written on this topic, but it reflects my heart so very well.

Thank you for hosting today Laurel!
Heather

Blessed Beyond Measure · 2 years ago

Absolutely! James tells us - "preach the gospel, if necessary use words." We could all use a little more practice in that. Great post!

Cyndi · 2 years ago

This is a great quote, and a topic I had on my mind all week last week. I can't wait to read what everyone else has to say today during a break from teaching... Thanks so much for such well-chosen words for us all to ponder!

ampraisingHim · 2 years ago

Great challenging quote!! I like what you said about non-Christians being able to tell about us by our behaviour, (clerks, waiters, etc.). May you have a blessed day. I enjoyed reading your post. Thanks for hosting this.

Sharon · 2 years ago

Thank you for the wonderful quote! As a pastor's wife I get ashamed at how badly the home-folk can treat those who are not like us coming into the church. The church is like a hospital to help heal those who are sick. We shouldn't expect them to be well and whole and enter the doors. Great post, it really got me to think!

Kelly · 2 years ago

Really loved this post! Sometimes we can get so focused on growing in Him that we forget we are called to be salt and light to the world. How can we touch those around us without connecting? THis challenges me to evaluate how I need to make changes to connect with the lost.

Linda · 2 years ago

That was wonderfull written Laurel. I agree with everything you've said. We too often get caught up in our own little world and then are no earthly good to those who need to heart the gospel. I know I have been guilty of that myself. It isn't easy to get out of my comfort zone. But it is easy to demonstrate Christ to those we come into contact with. Just a smile goes a long way I think.
Great post.

Blessed Assurances · 2 years ago

As my momma always says, "Actions speak louder than words." I used to wait tables and every once in awhile I would have to wait on Sundays. Sadly Christains are the worst people to wait on and very impatient. I pray not to be like that now on the opposite side of the table.

God bless
Susan

Heather Smith · 2 years ago

Great post! Remembering that I am making an impression everywhere I go is so important, but I don't want them to see the outside. I want them to see the inside. I want Christ to show through my life!

Heidi · 2 years ago

I'd just like to thank you for hosting this and for the lovely comment you left me. Very nice of you!
I have been blessed by participating and have enjoyed reading other people's thoughts and even added a couple to my bloglines.
Peace.

chris · 2 years ago

WOW - wonderful! The Lord has used you in a might way with this post. Amen to what you have said! You are right on the mark. I have to admit that as I learned this I had to really pray that I could put aside some emotions/feelings I would have just looking at some people. The Lord has been gracious and helped me with this. I have enjoyed meeting alot of our daughters college friends - I may never know if they will accept God but I know I was able to share Christ with them and open our home to them. Praise God for the opportunities He gives us. I know I've disappointed Him and let some of these chances pass me by -'fear' but I'm not giving up! Thanks again for this fantastic post!

Tami Boesiger · 2 years ago

I agree we need to make a good impression on all people. Why do we separate people into the categories of Christian and non-Christian? Can't we treat all people the same? Why do we put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect for everyone? Shouldn't Christ's Spirit show in us to others? The best way to witness to others is to stay in close communion with our Lord.

Thanks for your gracious words and for hosting this week.