WHERE ARE YOU?-By James McCrickard

 E. Stanley Jones once said to Mahatma Ghandi: "I am very anxious to see Christianity nationalized in India, so it will no longer be a foreign thing identified with a foreign people and a foreign government, but a part of the national life of India contributing its power to India’s uplift and redemption. What would you suggest we do to make that possible?”  To this Ghandi said: "I would suggest, first, that all of you Christians must begin to live more like Jesus Christ. Second, I would suggest that you practice your religion without adulterating it or toning it down. Third, I would suggest that you must put your emphasis on love, for love is the center and soul of Christianity".  What a statement…what does your walk look like to other people? 

  Jesus said,” Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it. What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? What could one give in exchange for his life? Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this faithless and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."   How often do you reflect upon these words of Christ?  Are you living for self or Christ?

  It breaks my heart when I see my brothers and sisters sing to God and talk about the Lord and His blessing but watch these same brothers and sisters live a life that contradicts God’s will.  One day God is going to call us home and the Bible makes it clear what will happen…God’s Word says, ”Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandment, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing whether it is good or evil.”   Are you the same at home as you are in a building on Sunday Morning?  What do your co-workers say of you?  Are you doing in private what can be done in public?

  One day without knowing, you will be called from this life.  Are you busy living a life that conforms to this world or living with Jesus in victory and serving God? One leads to death, the other to eternity…Where are you?