Life Lessons September 2023
By Doug Harrell
Mitchell County
Previously I wrote Life Lessons on the events taking place here in America. This month I want to continue in somewhat the same vein but look at what is taking place in our homes and businesses. We are all dealing with such unknowns: the protests, the looting and destroying of property, the removal of any reference to Christ from our hallowed halls, attempts to remove the words “Under God” from our pledge and it goes on and on. It seems as if we have learned nothing from history. I studied Social Sciences and Phycology in college years ago and was fascinated by Roman and Greek history. It seems as if we in America are treading on the same path at breakneck speed. The debauchery and things taking place today would make our founders turn over in their graves. It seems as if scripture is playing out before our very eyes, good is being called evil and evil is being called good! What it boils down to is the fact that we as individuals must stand firm in our Christian commitment. It needs to show in our demeanor, it needs to be obvious to anyone that we meet what our beliefs are. I am going to include in this life lesson a devotion that I wrote not too long ago about being recognized as a Christian.
Have you ever met someone that you just knew was a Christian just by talking with them for a few minutes? I think most of us have. What makes the difference? What things make it evident that the person is in a true relationship with their Lord and Savior? Is it their smile, is it a necklace they are wearing, is it the gleam in their eye, the words they are saying, or their loving nature? Think about these things this morning and ask yourself if you are recognizable as a Christian, what do others see in you when they meet you on the street?
We all need to strive to be that personal witness to those around us by our personal demeanor, our actions, and our language. Our entire being needs to shout out that we have a risen Savior who is our friend and confidant. When you start your day, look in a mirror and say to yourself, I am a child of the King, I am going to make sure that the light of Christ makes me recognizable to others around me today so that I might be a beacon that shows the way to salvation through the faith and belief in Jesus Christ.
Put on a happy face, and a smiling face, and be the first to offer a hand and a hug. Listen rather than talk. Show concern for your fellow man with a true interest in the other person. Guard your tongue, watch your mouth, and be uplifting in your conversation. Be that person that others are drawn to, not shied away from.
“Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:15-16 KJV
Make sure you and I are doing what is right and teaching our children and families right from wrong. We each have a manual, a manuscript, and a set of directions to go by. Make sure you are building on those solid foundations stones of truth that never change.
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Doug Harrell is a lifelong resident of Mitchell County, Owner of Harrell Hill Farms, a member of Bear Creek Baptist Church, and former publisher of Blue Ridge Christian News. You can find him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/doug.harrell.77
You can read more good Christian News from Doug Harrell HERE
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