2nd Quarter 2009
Second Quarter, Volume 1, Issue 2, July 1, 2009
Lights! Camera! Action! Lights! Camera! Action! These are words the director shouts when he or she is ready to shoot a scene. When an actor hears these words, s/he knows to get into character. But what about the Christian? Are we in the character of Jesus or are we simply acting? The other day, I came across a story worth repeating. A few years ago, the Dallas Morning News ran a story about an elderly couple who was sitting at home one quiet evening, enjoying dinner. As they were finishing up their meal, a burglar broke into their house, pointed a gun at them and demanded money. As the wife desperately searched her purse for money, the burglar noticed the T.V. was on and the couple was watching “The 700 Club.” The burglar asked, “Are ya’ll Christians?” The husband replied, “Yes,” and the burglar, in all seriousness said, “Me, too!” You may be laughing, but this man somehow believed he was a Christian. However, he was sadly deceived because his actions did not resemble Christianity, and as most of us know, just saying, “I’m a Christian” doesn’t make it so.
The Bible says in Matthew 7:16, “By their fruit, you will recognize them.” Do you walk like Him, talk like Him? There are times I ask myself that question. In this issue of Southeast Spirit, we are showing the many ways we can share Jesus with the world. I’d like to share another story. This one happened in our own church. My brother Paul loves to volunteer with Community Service and, as most of you know, Paul is MR/DD. One Sunday, before he got the hang of things, Paul was standing around seemingly a bit lost. I started to go to him but a wonderful young man (who didn’t know I was watching) noticed that Paul looked a little confused and offered to help.
This young man took it upon himself to “show Paul the ropes” and now Paul understands perfectly and enjoys carrying bags for the clients.
This touched me more than words can say and this is a PERFECT EXAMPLE of being like Jesus and sharing Him. Because when we help others, when we are compassionate and give of ourselves, not seeking personal gain, just doing it because it’s the right thing to do, that’s being in the character of Jesus.
How can we get into the character of Jesus? By studying Him through his word and praying earnestly for change. So before the lights come up (we are visible) before the camera begins shooting (people are observing and recording our actions) let’s get into character, the character of Jesus Christ.
Cecily Anitah Bryant, Editor
