Living Memoirs

You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men

(2 Corinthians 3:2, NKJV)

As part of civilization, there has always been a place for keeping a record of what was done or said. In past years, people sent letters and wrote books to pass on messages.  Things have evolved so that keeping voice and video records of instances has become much easier.  With social media, most news and information is shared in real time, the recording of which is captured and disseminated as fast as it is received.  This helps to ensure that all who need the information get it on time.  It also means that there is no time to review or revise what one wanted to communicate as the words spoken are immediately captured, we then hear individuals say that what was reported is not what they meant, some say they were misquoted out of context.  The challenge to make corrections is real as people will tend to remember what was said first, not to mention the common saying that the internet never forgets.  The record captured remains.

 As I reflected on our reference verse, I noted that Paul called the Corinthians an epistle written in the hearts and read by all men.  The statement told me that others are watching whether I am aware of it or not.  It hit me how little many of us think of how we live and what we say or do.  Beloved, it seemed to me that there are times we live, say and do without a conscious awareness of how this reflects on our faith in Jesus Christ.  Whether we acknowledge it or not, any time others see us or we interact with them, there is a message they receive.  We know that just by looking at someone passing by, we can deduce their emotions of joy, sadness etc.  This is the message their posture and presence sends out to others.  It is not a planned message but it is what they emit, often being referred to as the vibe they bring.  Brethren, in every moment of our lives, there is a message that we are giving out and Apostle Paul calls this message an epistle that is read by all.

 Jesus our Lord called us the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16), and He continued that a city built on a hill cannot be hidden.  In this verse which is often quoted, we have been told who we are.  As believers in Christ Jesus, we are a light to others.  In our day today, one would say there is gross darkness covering the earth, darkness in the sense of evil which is not only being done but also being advocated as right.  This is the world we are living in and the call upon our lives is to be the light of God in this dark space.  One characteristic of light is that it permeates through the darkness.  A candle lit in a dark room, will draw attention to itself, light does not hide.  No wonder the verse reminds us that a city built on a hill cannot be hidden.  It is our light that makes us stand out like a city on the hill.  Our character and speech is what others experience as light and when we live in faith and obedience, then the light shines in the dark places of our lives.  Beloved, our light will only shine when we live conscious of our calling in God.   When we do so, our light will draw others to the saving grace of our Lord.  We shine our light when we live, as blameless and pure children of God (Philippians 2:14-15).  It is not by our own strength that we shall keep the light shining, but by the mercies of God.  The world will see and taste the difference that we bring in the daily experiences of life and when they do so, then we will be shinning lights, epistles being read by all men.  Prophet Isaiah calls us to arise and shine, declaring that the glory of the Lord has risen upon us and that our light will draw unbelievers (Isaiah 60:1-3).  Brethren, our lives need to testify of our King, it is not just by words but more so by our deeds.  May we live in the awareness that our daily lives are messages received and recorded by others.  I pray that the messages we send out point to the saving grace of Jesus Christ our Lord.

 Thoughts:

What message is your life giving out?

Are you continually conscious of your impact on others?

How and where have you failed to impact for Christ?