John 13:35, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
Scotland, I hear, is a beautiful place to visit. With acres upon acres of beautiful countryside. Someone once shared that while they were visiting, on their leisure drive they came upon some sheep. Seeing sheep wasn't a surprise, many farmers had many sheep. Farmers in Scotland are known to die part of their sheep to mark who belonged to who. What came as a surprise was what they saw on the hillside. Not just a herd of sheep, but a herd of pink sheep. Not just pink markings but pink sheep covered from head to toe. Could you imagine such a sight? Everyone knew those pink sheep belonged to this farmer.
Scripture tells us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd and those who follow Him are His sheep. The Bible also tells us that when we choose Jesus, we belong to Him- Psalm 100:3. John tells us that as Jesus’ disciples we have an identifying mark, like the sheep in Scotland. Love: in all our words and deeds, a believer should show love to all those around- 1 John 4:11, “Dear friends, if God loved us that much, we also should love each other.”
As Christians we have an image to uphold. Let me ask you this, if you were visiting a doctor's office for the first time and as you looked around, you notice that the walls are run down, a few mouse traps sit in the corners. Maybe in the examination room there are dust-covered cabinets, maybe some broken down equipment. Would you stick around? You never met the doctor, for all you know they could be the best in their field. But if they put little care into their building, would you question them as a doctor? I know I’d be put off and probably look for a new doctor. What the practice portrays is not professional.
Ephesians 5:1-2 Also tells us we should portray a life of love, a life that represents who Jesus is. We must walk the walk. We cannot “put on” the Christian badge at church and then walk out the door and be someone totally different. Like the doctor's office, who will take you seriously? We are part of Jesus’ sheep, and He expects us to adopt His ways and actions in church and out of church. The Good Samaritan scenario is a great example of living and loving like Jesus.
The impression we give others is important. As a Christian we want to be like Christ. That means we show love, care, and honor to God in all we do. Our actions matter, they can either draw someone to Jesus or drive them away.
We are taught to bear the fruits of the Spirit, being good examples of Jesus living in our lives and the joy it is to have Him in our life. The sad thing is that we live in a world where everyone is looking for reasons to attack each other or look down on them. When we claim to be a Christian, yet our actions say differently, we give fuel to those who need any reason to condemn Christianity.
Sheep are very lucky to have their shepherd taking care of them, a good study to investigate. I am sure that is why Jesus uses the shepherd as an example when He says He is the Good Shepherd. As Christians, we have so many wonderful things to look forward to and our Shepherd takes the best care of us.
· Belonging to Christ means you are called by the grace of God- Romans 1:5-6
· Belonging to Christ means you are an heir in God's Kingdom according to God's free grace- Galatians 3:29
· Belonging to Christ means the Holy Spirit is now the primary influence in your life- Romans 8:9
· Belonging to Christ means you are meant to bear spiritual fruit- Romans 7:4
· Belonging to Christ means that He will provide for you, and He cares about your daily needs- Mark 9:39-41
· Belonging to Christ means your soul will never be lost- John 6:39-40
· Belonging to Christ means you have salvation- 1 Corinthians 15:22-23
· Belonging to Christ means you have been crucified with Christ and He lives with you- Galatians 5:24
By: Paul Shirley
When we have Jesus in our life, when we live and love like Jesus, a Christian should be as obvious as the pink wool on the sheep in Scotland.
We are marked, we belong to Jesus yet because of His blood on the cross we are free, and we have the hope of salvation. I'm glad Jesus is my Shepherd, how about you?
Proverbs 4:18- 27
The way of the good person is like the light of dawn, growing brighter and brighter until full daylight. But the wicked walk around in the dark; they can’t even see what makes them stumble. My child, pay attention to my words; listen closely to what I say. Don’t ever forget my words; keep them always in mind. They are the key to life for those who find them; they bring health to the whole body. Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life. Don’t use your mouth to tell lies; don’t ever say things that are not true. Keep your eyes focused on what is right, and look straight ahead to what is good. Be careful what you do, and always do what is right. Don’t turn off the road of goodness; keep away from evil paths.
Let's continue our study learning to live and give our all to God with our last study,
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