Time of My Life

Scenario: it's another church pot-luck with the usual display of food, and young and old are eager to get in line and dig in. Ooh! Is that Mrs. Thomas' famous three-cheese lasagna?! Score! And I'll take another one of those Hawaiian rolls, please and thank you.

Situated behind the buffet counter is Rachel. She's just doing her thing. Servin' up food and chatting with each person that makes their way down the table. Rachel is quick to ask if she can get you anything else. Perhaps a drink? or a few extra napkins?

Her heart is pulled to just serve with her hands. Christ has done quite a work in her, just as He looks to do in each of us, and she is very content serving you. Not the least bit worried if there will be enough eats when everyone has made it through, or if she'll get to have that purposeful conversation with so and so. Nor is she mindful of her throbbing lower back. Meeting immediate needs is her thing.

While Rachel generously portions out food, did one of the believers turn and quietly thank her for being like Christ? My fictional character tries very hard to not desire gratitude. Pride has tripped her up one too many times and so she desires to accomplish whatever comes her way for Christ alone. Did it strike anyone that Rachel's behavior and actions exhibited the Savior?

What if we acknowledge the choices, reactions, words, and behavior that clearly reflected Christ's work in another believer's life? A little positive re-enforcement never hurt anyone. In fact, studies have clearly documented that.

Sometimes it's hard to see just how someone else might be exhibiting Christ. Let's face it, there are those in the body of believers that can be down right difficult to work with, or even be around for that matter.  Green and seasoned Christians alike. 

I was listening to a sermon earlier this week and a pastor commented that whenever one of his kids exemplifies Christ, his wife calls him and he then gets a chance reinforce that right behavior with a simple, "Heard you did this or that today. Do you know who that reminds me of?" The child always responds with, "Who, Dad?" "Christ! Good job, keep it up."

I had to stop and ask myself if I look to be such an encouragement. Do I seek out opportunities to acknowledge that Christ is shining through another believer?

Hmmm. What a concept.

Expect a report!