Many of us see only two choices in living out life as a Christian: choose life as a Bible-thumping, brimstone-breathing soldier in an offensive battle; or live on the defense as a passive don’t ask/don’t tell Christian who leads the way only by example. There is a third way. 

The third way to live out the your life as a Christian is Spirit-led. Grow so close to Christ that people see Christ in you. Walk so close to Christ that you are are never afraid to tell others about Him. Know Christ so well that your are never lost for words because His words are hidden in your heart. 

When you develop such an intimate relationship with Christ, the Holy Spirit will direct your path and direct your voice. You will realize that souls are saved through the power of the Holy Spirit in spite of me and you. People are brought to Christ not by might, not by power, but by His Spirit. 

When you live a Spirit-filled life, you realize that people are won to the Lord through labors of love, not through vain preaching, and not through uncaring passiveness. 

Let Christ live through you. Live a Spirit-led life. Fear Not; speak out, love others, and show people our God.

Great is the Lord!

Sometimes, we can do nothing else but praise God. We awaken in the morning with a hymn or a chorus coursing through our head. All day long, we are singing it to ourselves. It just won’t go away. Have you ever had a day like that? For me, they occur quite frequently. 

I find, on those particular days, I am more inclined to speak out about Jesus, about what God has done in my life, about the Good News (the Gospel of Jesus Christ), about miracles I’ve witnessed, about healings, and finding the right job at the right moment, and groceries from nowhere when we’re hungry. 

Other times, I am too frightened to speak, for I fear becoming a target. I will be mocked or worse. Sometimes, it seems I just don’t have it in me, or, if it is in me, it’s certainly not bubbling up. 

The thing I have learned from years of studying is that I don’t have to always “feel it.” I am human, with human emotions, human moods, and human biorhythms. And sin. I am flawed. I don’t always feel strong. I don’t always feel close to God.

That’s okay. God is above humanity. He is always within us, always holding our hands, guiding us, and reassuring us. Whether we feel strong or weak, God is near. Brave or afraid, God is near. Good mood or bad mood, God is with us. He never leaves. He never forsakes us. We cannot fully comprehend that, because we depend so much on circumstances, but God is not driven by circumstances or emotions. 

Afraid to speak out about your Lord and Savior? Fear Not. Lift up your voice with strength. God is with us!