How we act each day is our ministry

When people see you are they pulled towards or pushed away from Christ? 

The Bible says you can identify a person by the fruit that they bear. When people see you do they hear gossip, princess petty, or queen of shade? Which are all worldly terms for messy and oh so popular right now. Or do they see someone who is kind, gracious, loving, and exhibits self-control?

I recently encountered a woman that constantly speaks negatively of others, even people from her church. Then I found out she goes to my church. Right? I was appalled and broken-hearted, all that we are taught about guarding our tongues and walking with integrity, and yet she is still bearing bad fruit.

On the contrary, when I worked in Atlanta, one of my colleagues had a beautiful spirit you could instantly tell that something was different about her.  She was always kind and encouraging others. I rarely heard her speak ill of anyone.  I specifically remember, after being on the job for three months, my grandmother passed away. Having just relocated my finances were not the best, and once I purchased my last-minute plane ticket home, my bank account was empty. I never told my co-worker about my finances, but the day before I was to fly home she gave me a sympathy card with $20 inside.  The Lord used her to bless me, so I wouldn’t travel broke and would be able to eat while waiting in the airport if needed.  Finally, one day I mentioned to her how refreshing her attitude was around the office. She shared with me that her kind attitude was a result of her love for Christ.

REFLECTING on these two women made me question,

What do Others See?

What do others see when they see me? Do they see the light of Jesus Christ or the darkness of the world? Do they see a hypocrite or someone with a steady walk in Christ? Do they see the lessons I’ve learned from Sunday service, bible study, and my daily readings? Or do they see the world’s influence (TV, music, Instagram, general pop culture) on my life?

I remember last year, around this time, I was preparing for Lent. I asked my boyfriend what he thought I should give up (we both grew up Catholic), instantly he said, “SHADE!” I was shocked. I didn’t realize just how shady I had become and allowed my words to tear down others instead of building them up.

A Moment of Introspection

As I reflected on my behavior, I realized I had fallen into the world of shady wit, undercutting whomever I could for a quick laugh or relief from my frustration. I was actually pretty good at it, but my behavior wasn’t pleasing to God. He reminded me that our tongues speak life and death, and we can’t praise Him with the same mouth we use to curse and tear down others (James 3).

I had to evaluate my environment that cultivated this level of shadiness. I was watching shade TV aka Real Housewives of Atlanta and other reality shows where only the witty survive. I also had to look at my friends because let’s be honest while TV can play a role in our lives it’s usually not what has the most impact on us. Now I didn’t get rid of my friends, but I did change my dialogue to reflect who I had become in Christ.

I believe there is a balance that we can live. We can have fun, joke around, and share banter with our girlfriends but when our shady and petty remarks outweigh the light of Christ, we must reevaluate ourselves.

So after some self-reflection and 40 days of surrendering my tongue to God, I like to believe I’m shade free. Lord, I hope I’m still shade free. Lord, am I shade free???

What’s Your Hindrance?

Ok, while God and I figure this out, I’ll close with this. For some, the crown of shade isn’t your ministry hindrance. But many of us still have one, ask God to show you the areas of your life that pull people away from him. You might be surprised what He shows you, I surely was.  But whatever the hindrance, surrender it to Him and watch God transform you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

My desire is to live a life that is pleasing in your sight. Help me to draw people closer to you through my actions. Let your light and love shine through me. Lord, show me the areas in my life that hinder my ministry. Give me the wisdom and strength to surrender my faults to you, so you can mold me and make me new.

In Jesus Name Amen

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  ~Galatians 5:22-23