Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear . . .
For some people, these are pleasant words; for others, well – they would rather do a bungee jump than hear them. The words themselves are innocuous, but they represent a moment when they are the sole focus of attention. They would do almost anything rather than be exposed to those seconds of scrutiny. It doesn't seem to matter whether people are being friendly to them or not; it is just the sheer embarrassment of being the focus of attention that gets to them.
There are times when none of us like being the centre of attention. Last year, I had an accident as my wife and I started our annual holiday. I tripped and ended up with a severe gash on my head. As I sat and waited for the paramedics to arrive, I realized that everyone who passed by was having a good look at me. It was most uncomfortable to be scrutinized by a pulsating throng of tourists.
It got me thinking! So often, people are watching us. We can be unaware of it, but we are being observed. Now, it's not a good idea to live life looking over your shoulder, but it is wise to remember that you are a role model to someone. A good example is a great teacher, but bad behaviour is often inadvertently copied and has devastating effects. What type of role model are you? Would your family have a good example to follow if they imitated you? How about your colleagues – are you a good example to follow? What do your friends admire you for?
The Bible states that we were created in the image of God and should be living to reflect that. However, the world is a messy place, and we are a long way from what God intended us to be. I think we would all admit that we are not what we should be. Even if you don't believe what the Bible teaches about the origin of life or that sin and death came into the world through the first humans[1] most thinking people would admit that we could do better and that most of our problems would be solved if we were not so selfish, greedy, proud and stubborn. The Bible defines this as sin.
You don't need to be a Christian to recognize the problem, but you do need the Bible to understand the source of the problem and the solution. Jesus taught that the root of the problem was the human heart – he said, "What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of people's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immoralities, thefts, murders, adulteries, greed, evil actions, deceit, self-indulgence, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile a person.[2]" That's the problem!
Thankfully, the Lord Jesus Christ also presented the solution – "Jesus spoke to them again: "I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life[3]."
Following the Lord Jesus means admitting your sins and failures. It is recognizing that 'Christ died for your sins' and 'that he rose again the third day'[4]. It is the recognition that you need Him and the forgiveness that He offers to those who 'believe on his name[5]'.
All photos courtesy of Unsplash
No comments
Post a Comment