By Lois Hewitt

As Christians, we must be aware that the world watches us to see how we live. Even more than what we say.  We are to show the world how Jesus impacts our life.

Man, do I fall short.  When I was much younger and a new Christian, I thought we were called to be perfect.

Perfect clothes, perfect house, perfect car, perfect family and I, of course, failed to be perfect.

As I learned more I realized that I can’t be perfect. If I was, I would have no need for grace, mercy and forgiveness. So then I just tried to be good. 

Now come on, how hard could that be?  Impossible. I tried to be good but I was doing it for me. The accolades and boosting words. My intent was all wrong.

So I learned a little more and figured I could use all my flaws to show how I have been redeemed.  Closer now, but not quite right.  Because I somehow thought all the stupidity was in my past, part of my testimony.

I was thinking not that I was now perfect but closer.  Never gonna happen.

People look at others and can see right through the facade of perfection. That doesn’t further God’s kingdom.

Being good isn’t bad but if your motives (like mine at the time) are not sincere, no progress for God’s Kingdom.

A moving testimony can further God’s kingdom but how are you living day to day? 

That’s where I got caught up recently.  Then I noticed that no matter what I did, I kept making mistakes and I was very frustrated with myself.  I began to think that I might be ill and I got depressed and anxious.

Today I cried at work thinking I was either sick or dumb (maybe both) and I realized it. These are the times the world watches. Not when you are on the mountain top. When you are full of self-doubt and frustration is when what you believe comes out.

That’s what the world wants to know…how do you act when life just isn’t working. So today I blew it because I ended up getting mad. But then I stopped and realized my reaction was based solely on me when I should have been looking up.

Maybe that’s it!  It’s not perfection.  It’s not being good.  It’s not beating yourself up.  It’s about looking to God always but especially in the times of doubt.  I can wish myself to do the right thing … Ain’t happening.  But I can pray for strength to do the right thing. Not just for me but for those watching.

I cannot do this life thing on my own power. I need power from God. I need the teachings and forgiveness of Jesus. And I need the filling of the Holy Spirit to bring it all together.

I get it now. It’s not easy to figure out unless you are on your knees. Stay strong today my friend. The world is watching how we live. If we live for God, we give them something to see!