Scriptures:
Galatians 5:22-24: 1 Peter 3:13-15
Reflection:
Every one of us has a ‘frontline.’ Every one of us has a place where our lives intersect with the lives of others. And it is at that point where we are called to be disciples of Jesus.
Do you work in an office, a shop, a care home, a school, a hospital or on a building site? Do you talk to your neighbours, visit the shops, belong to a club, visit the gym? Do you take your car to a garage for it is MOT, or your clothes to the dry cleaner, or buy your newspaper from the newsagent? Do you have carers coming into your home? In all these places, and many more beside (insert your frontline into the list), we meet people and we listen to people, and in all these places we may be the nearest encounter that these people will have with Jesus.
Research says that effective communication is 55% body language, 38% tone of voice, and only 7% words. There is a sense in which we need to ‘earn’ the right to speak about Jesus to other people. If our behaviour does not honour God and bring glory to him, then however many words we speak, they will be hollow.
Often it is when we are under pressure or stress, or being criticised, that our true character shows itself. But it can also be the time when the character of Jesus shines through us. Mark Greene speaks of attending the leaving party of the General Secretary of a large organisation, where one of those who had worked with the man said he was: ‘like a catcher in baseball… however hard you throw the ball at him, it always comes back gently.’ (Mark Greene ‘Fruitfulness on the Frontline’, p.64)
So, the first thing people will see is our demeanour. If we are living the Fruit of the Spirit within, it will naturally shine out in our lives. And none of the characteristics is optional. The original Greek used in v.22 for ‘fruit’ is singular – one fruit, many portions!
But words will be needed if we are to ‘to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have’ (1 Peter 3:15). So why not take this time of lockdown to do two things: Firstly, reflect on your own life in the light of the Fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23. Do not allow it to become negative, but thank God for what he has done, and is doing in your life.
And secondly, think through what you might say if asked why you trust Jesus? You may not feel confident to answer the big questions of life, but the best tool you have is your testimony.
Think about why you have a relationship with God:
He created the world and therefore seems to be the best one to know how to live in it
I look around and see creation which seems to suggest that there is someone or something behind it
He guides me and supports me in difficult times
We have spoilt the world, but he still loves us
Talk about what Jesus means to you and the hope which he has given to you. And do it with ‘gentleness and respect’ (1 Peter 3:15).
PRAYER:
Lord,
May your word test my life,
So that I am constantly ‘becoming something different, something more like Jesus’
By the power of the Holy Spirit within me.
AMEN
SONGS:
Tell out my soul – written by Timothy Dudley-Smith
The cause of Christ – co-written and sung by Kari Jobe
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
In this time of quietness and reflection, when many of your frontlines are ‘suspended,’ take the opportunity to write down your testimony. Ask yourself, ‘What would I say if I was asked why I trust Jesus?’ Try and keep your answer to three sentences.
…and why not look into some of those difficult questions which you might be asked.
I would recommend Got Questions as a good starting point.