The Gospel in You

I once heard about a grandmother who was trying to finish some last-minute Christmas shopping with her grandchildren. Just when they got in the car, the five-year-old boy said, “Grandma, Sarah has something in her pocket.” Sure enough, Sarah reached into her pocket and pulled out a brand new red barrette.

Even though she was exhausted from the day, the grandmother knew they had to go back to the store and have Sarah return the item. After they did so, they continued to the grocery store. It was then at the grocery store checkout that the clerk asked, “Have you kids been good so Santa will come?” “I’ve been very good,” the little boy responded, “but my little sister just robbed a store.”

The story is funny. And no doubt, children are impressionable. They watch closely what we adults say and do. And they imitate us very well!

But it may not only be children who are looking up to us as role models. There may be others at your work or in your life who need guidance or acceptance or a friendly sounding board. We have all kinds of opportunities in life to model our faith.

You may have heard the expression, you are the only Bible some people will ever read. It is true.

My prayer for you is that as you go through life, you would live out your faith in such a way that others see the gospel in you.

Let us pray: Loving God, may we live lives of integrity, and by doing so, be ambassadors for your grace, mercy, love. I pray especially today for those who may need guidance, acceptance, or a friend. I entrust them to your care and the care of your people. In Jesus’s name. Amen.