A Thought For The Week Of October 20

"How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” (Exodus 33:16) It's a great question! "What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” Yeah. It's a great question! First of all, it suggests to us that we're not simply to be anonymous people of faith who blend into the culture around us. We're supposed to be noticed. Then, "what ELSE ..." implies that there's already something that distinguishes God's people that's already been made known. And, yes - there is. It's God's presence. God is with us. But that's for us to know. It's more an inner reality we're convinced of. But while we may be aware that it makes us different - how else are we distinguished? How else are we made known to others? How does the presence of God change us so that others notice? We can think of love. We're called to love with a radical love poured out for all without exception. But even that's a bit amorphous. Maybe the description in Acts of the early church and its early growth fits in with this question. They loved - radically. They took care of each other. They supported each other. They shared everything to the point at which there were no poor among them. And people noticed - and the growth multiplied. How did people notice? Because God's people didn't hide their faith and its impact.Perhaps we're too shy about our faith? Perhaps we have to be willing not just to believe it but to profess it, and not just to profess it but to live it, and not just to live it but to show it. And then do it all in the name of Jesus Christ and for the glory of God. That distinguishes us from all the other people on the face of the earth! Have a great week!