How to Be a Living Bible Without Embarrassing Jesus
I finished reading the Old Testament this week.
Each time I work my way through the books of the Law, the historical books, the Psalms, and the prophets … I am overwhelmed with gratitude that the Lord of the universe wants us to know Him. Really KNOW Him!
And now, I’m settling in and sitting at the feet of Jesus.
The more I read the Bible – the more I want to read the Bible!
That’s why I wanted to talk about a comment exchange I had with another reader of David Rupert’s article – GQ Says the Bible is Overrated. Here’s What They Got Right.
I don’t comment as often as I’d like on posts because, well, I read hundreds of blogs posts each week. But this one…
As I read through the comments, I felt impressed to add my thoughts.
So, I wrote…
If the Bible is just another book then the author of the GQ article has a point. BUT – if the Bible is the inspired Word of God and used by the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts and minds of those who read and hear it, then it is the one book everyone should read. I began reading through it every year … ten years ago. This year, I’m reading it with all the Life Application Bible Notes. Every day I am overwhelmed with the message of God’s love for people who continually fail Him. It makes me want to know Him better, trust Him more, and love Him above all else. That is one life-changing book!
Later in the day, I received an email with this reply from another reader…
It’s not what you believe, its what you do that matters. that being said, most devout Christians are also some of the biggest jerks I’ve ever had the displeasure of meeting.
Ouch!
But she has a point.
So, I added this…
I’m so sorry you’ve had such negative experiences with Christians. Me too! We’re all flawed. Christians too! And as much as I want to live a life that honors God, I fail often. I need to say, I’m sorry to people and ask God for His forgiveness as well. I challenge you to read the Bible with an open mind. Don’t make your decisions about Jesus based on imperfect people. Our tendency to be jerks on occasion is the very reason we need Him. One more thing … some of the Christians I know are extremely kind and selfless. I really hope you get to meet some people like them, too!
What’s the point? Why am I sharing this with you?
Because dear friend, people are watching and listening.
I’m sure you’ve seen the quote:
“Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some person ever reads.” ~ William J. Toms
How to Be a Living Bible Without Embarrassing Jesus
Paul wrote:
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. Ephesians 4:1–3
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God. Ephesians 5:1–2
When I first came to you, dear brothers and sisters, I didn’t use lofty words and impressive wisdom to tell you God’s secret plan. For I decided that while I was with you I would forget everything except Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:1–2
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Philippians 2:3,5
I know there are many more verses but I’ll hold there as I’m feeling convicted; maybe you are too. If you’re like me, you know how often you’ve blown opportunities, and fallen short of loving like Jesus would have you love. I’m guilty of embarrassing Jesus!
And I’ll be honest with you, sometimes fear of falling short keeps me from saying anything at all because I don’t want to mess up.
But that’s not the answer either!
What is the answer?
Lead with love!
Before you say anything remember that everyone is someone who is precious to God and dearly loved by Him! Loved so much that…
Though He was God,
He did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
Instead, He gave up His divine privileges;
He took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When He appeared in human form,
He humbled Himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
Philippians 2:6–8
Then tell people how much Jesus, who died for them, loves them. Point them to Bible that is able to tell them all about the God who loves them, and let the Holy Spirit do the convicting on what is right and wrong.
Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7–8
I know…
It’s convicting!
I don’t love the way God wants me to; so, I’m praying and asking God to help me do better.
I’m asking Him to help me…
- remember how much He has forgiven in me.
- stay humble … knowing I don’t have all the answers.
- listen with compassion.
- think and pray before I speak.
- stop and think before I leave a snarky comment online.
- talk more about Jesus than “right” and “wrong.”
- stop condemning “big” sins while excusing “little” ones.
I’m guessing you could add to this list.
I want people to look at my life and see the spiritual blessings of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
When you and I focus on trying to convince someone of the error of their ideas and/or actions without loving them we fail to show them love.
Think about the way Jesus talked to the woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery, and Zacchaeus.
With God’s help, we can do this. We can glorify God by loving like Jesus.
Father, please help us! In Jesus’ name and for His sake. Amen!
Great post Deb, yes we all fall short don’t we. I try to think before I speak & pray before I take action of any kind but I am a sinner saved by grace & screw up at times…
I believe if we keep in mind that we are ALL sinners… saved by His grace then how can we think we are higher than others! We are fellow sojourners….humility is the key with the Holy Spirit’s wisdom as the door, to how we witness Jesus to the world.
Jennifer
I love what you had to say. Yes, point them to Jesus and his love, not us mere mortals that make mistakes.
Thank you so much for featuring my post! What an honour. I’m truly humbled and pray that the post will be a blessing to many. God bless you, sweet sister xoxo
Oh Deb. Each time I read anything you have written, it’s like the Lord is leading me to read what you have to say. It’s like what you wrote was written just for me in a silly sense. I have so much compassion for other people but my I’m a very outspoken woman at the same time. I have such a problem with keeping my mouth closed when it needs to be but Praise God He’s helping me with that. How we live our lives on a daily basis is such a testimony to our Lord Jesus. The simplest of things that someone may see in your life. Thanks for ALWAYS blessing me and giving me something to think and ponder over. I read quite a few blogs, but yours is one of the few I can’t wait to open up and read. God Bless You My Sister In Christ Jesus!
Happy Friday, Deb! Great post! I really needed these reminders to be humble and put others ahead of myself…a dying world is watching. It reminds me so much of Maree Dee’s Grace and Truth featured post that I read moments ago about loving our wounded, by Nylse over at life notes. You’ve got to read it…just one to add to your list of 100’s. 🙂 Thanks for hosting and have a blessed week!
Deb, I’ve been thinking about your other post with the stats from GQ since I read it earlier this week. I feel like I’m living in a very special, yet very insulated, part of the country where a bigger percentage of people believe the Bible is true. Your post has opened my eyes to a wider perspective, and reminded me to be more mindful of my actions. Also, thank you for sharing the email exchange between you and the reader. It reminds me of the post you recently wrote about the two different people in church you once knew, and who you want to be like the most. Lots of hard work to do, but you’re right–there are still MANY kind and loving Christians out there. I strive to be known as one of them!
What a clever title!! Love these very practical yet helpful tips to be a living bible to those around me- starting with love!
Deb, this is an encouraging and beautiful post. I am grateful for all you have shared here. May we grow in God’s grace and love as we remember there is a world watching. Some may be in our very families!
What a good word, Deb!
Thanks for this wonderful reminder to live for Jesus with grace, compassion, and kindness!
Sure do appreciate you~
Melanie
Absolutely spot-on comments you wrote on that person’s post, Deb. Yes, I’ve encountered some pretty downright mean, unforgiving and judgmental “Christians” in my journey, but oh, when I’ve met those who delight in not embarrassing Jesus, what joy that brings! May we all ask ourselves “What would Jesus do” before we speak or act.
Blessings, and have a great weekend!
Oooh Deb, I love you title.. and reminds me of something I read somewhere – that we may be the only Bible people ever read … It’s a good reminder and your posts tells us how to live it well. thank you so much. 🙂 I just started back reading my way through the Bible — starting in Genesis and with a brand new Bible and a new translation too – oh the revelation that is pouring out is amazing. But I can’t wait to hit the New Testament and sit as Jesus’ feet too. Blessings
Another great one Deb! You are hitting on some wonderful topics that challenge us in all the right ways. Thank you!! I thought your suggestions were insightful and practical. On a side note, I have been in the Gospels for a year and a half and I am looking forward to getting back to the Old Testament soon.☺️?
Good reminders today on how we interact with people. Thank you.
Very good article and reminder that we are living epistles, seen and read of all me. I would like to add one more suggestion as to what Christ Followers should do …….Abide! Abide in Him, His Word,His love! ✝️??
Extremely inspirational words here, we certainly need more of them. As divided as Americans are these days, maybe we can refrain from calling Jesus down on both sides of the arguments we seem to be having every single day. We should all be on the same side when it comes to faith and the freedom of worship.