It's Only a Quarter

Ephesians 5:1-2, “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”

There is a story of a pastor who moved to Texas. After some weeks went by, he had the opportunity to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. After sitting down, he realized the driver had given him one quarter to many in change.

     As he considered what to do, he thought ‘you’d better give that quarter back, it would be wrong to keep it’.  Then he thought, ‘oh forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Besides the bus company already gets too much in fees anyway. Consider it a gift and move on’.

     When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door. He then handed the quarter back, “Here, you gave me one quarter too many in change.”

     The driver smiled and replied, “Hey, aren't you the new pastor in town? I've been thinking lately about going to worship somewhere. I wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change.”

     When the pastor stepped off the bus, he grabbed the nearest light pole to steady himself. “Oh Lord, I almost sold you for a quarter.”

     They say you may be the only Bible some people read…. You may be the only Jesus some people see.

     As Christians our shared goal is Heaven, eternity in the presence of God. The way to salvation isn't earned, it means living life daily and consistently moving towards modeling the life of Jesus and the lessons He has taught through the gospels. It's putting faith into action.

     Let me ask you a couple of questions. Have you put your faith in action through acts of service? What does it mean to you to be the hands and feet of Jesus?

     I read somewhere ‘Faith is not only what we do but who we become’. It's about seeing a path to Jesus in everything we say and do, and even what we put on the internet.

     ‘Life is God's gift to you… the way you live your life is your gift to God’. When others see you, talk to you, see your actions, do they see Jesus’ light shining through you?

     The quote ‘your life may be the only Bible some people read’, carries such deep truths. I've known people who have joined a church or began to show interest in Jesus by what they've seen in others. It could be just because you are very honest, friendly, and welcoming. It could be they have seen you go through some tough times with great faith that it will all be okay.

     It's interesting how so many people are influenced by what they have observed in someone else. Our actions will have a greater influence than our words. It could be something as small as a quarter. What have your actions been saying as of late? Do you believe that when others see you, they see a life lived in Jesus. I like to believe mine does, but I know I could do so much better. Especially when those hard days come, people push my buttons, or I'm not 100% refreshed and ready to face the day. We have all been there; we may be there right now.

     Even when our light dims on some days, it should be the goal of every Christian to live in a way our hands and feet share Jesus to those we cross paths with.

      There is a story of a young man who wore holey t-shirts, ratty jeans, and no shoes through his college years. During that time, he found Jesus.

     There was a church across the street from his campus. They were very conservative and always well dressed. This young man decided to visit one day while they were at service.

     When he walked through the front doors, he realized the service had already begun. The young man was noticed by all at church for how he was dressed. The church was very full, and this young man had a hard time finding a seat. The stares and whispers began as he walked up the aisle closer to the pulpit. Finally, he decided to simply sit on the floor.

     Now the air was thick with tension. Soon, an elderly man in his 80s with his three-piece suit and silver-gray hair began to make his way slowly up to the young man. With each click of the man's cane the congregation knew this godly, well respected, and dignified man would say what they were all thinking and put the young man in his place.

     It took a little time for the elderly man to reach the front of the church. During that time all eyes were focused on what would happen next. The pastor, who hadn't begun his sermon yet, also stood there not sure where this would go.

     Once the elderly man reached the young man he dropped his cane. Then, slowly and with much difficulty he lowered himself to a sitting position right next to the young man. He wasn't satisfied to let the young man worship alone.

     The congregation sat in silence, filled with emotions. Then the pastor spoke, “What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you just saw, you will never forget.” -article by Peter Cincalos, Andrews University

     When we decide to purposely live a life in God, He will set the foundation for such moments, where our actions show Jesus to those who don't know Jesus or could simply be having a bad day. In faith it is God who moves things to a whole new level.

     Proverbs 16:10 (MSG), “A good leader motivates, doesn’t mislead, doesn’t exploit.”

     God fills his people like spring rain and sunshine.

     To some, ‘it's just a quarter’, who will miss it. For those who are deeply rooted in Christ, it's another child of God and we may be the only Bible they read. The Lord came to save everyone, not just a few. Today and every day let's strive to model Jesus in all our words and actions.

     ‘You never really know the true impact you have on those around you. You never know how much someone needed that smile you gave them. You never know how much your kindness turned someone's entire life around. You never know how much someone needed that long hug or deep talk. So don't wait to be kind. Don't wait for someone to be kind first. Don't wait for better circumstances or for someone to change. Just be kind, because you never know how much someone needs it.’- Author Unknown

One of the best ways to grow in Jesus and learn to be more Christlike is to spend time with Him. Where do we find that time, the Bible. In God's Word we can learn who Jesus is and learn to mirror Him and His light to others. Today we're going to continue our Bible study Deepening Our Devotionals with lesson 8- Personalizing 2.

Lesson 8- Personalizing 2.docx

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