“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22)

While participating in our church’s nursing home outreach, I spent precious time with a wheelchair bound woman. From the moment I saw her, I could not help but notice her happy countenance. It was warm, friendly, and captivating. I introduced myself to her and explained that we were there to fellowship with all the residents. Knowing that she was unable to go outdoors on her own, I asked if she would like to go outside for some fresh air. She drew close and said, “I would love to”.

We found a lovely spot outside the facility under a shaded tree. As we chatted, she shared with me all she had been through over the past few years. I was caught off guard by the amount of transition she had incurred in such a short time.

Her husband of fifty-four years had passed away, she became ill shortly after and lost use of her legs, and she had to sell her home and car, and move into her present quarters. If that wasn’t enough she professed she was a daily walker, faithfully walking two miles in the morning and two miles in the evening. She enjoyed it all…but in the course of a mere few years all had changed. The one thing I knew that did not change was her lovely, cheerful demeanor.

As time went on, she glanced at her watch and noted that lunchtime was near. She kindly requested I wheel her back in so she could eat and get ready for work. Again, this ninety one-year-old woman startled me. I asked, “What type of work?”

She replied, “I knew I had to keep busy. It is not good for me to stay in my room all day long. I would become depressed thinking about all the different things. So I asked if I could do some work within the facility, and sure enough, they gave me a job. I greet and direct all the people who come in.”

Without doubt, this God believing woman amazed me. Here I thought I was going to serve and minister to those in need but in light of it all, this woman ended up ministering to me. She taught me a valuable lesson. Life is full of transitions and unforeseen changes. Some good, some bad, and some down right heartbreaking, but with faith in God, we can make it through with a cheerful demeanor.

Dear Heavenly Father, We acknowledge that life is full of change but with you by our side, we can go through such with a proper attitude that is acceptable and pleasing to you and others. Amen

Question: How has your attitude been lately?

I have a good friend whose daughter has a fantastic singing voice and is sailing through a bunch of open doors in the music business in L.A. and Hollywood. It has thrown her, as a Christian, into a largely non-Christian world, and my friend called me today to record his appreciation for the things I have been discussing here lately in regards to our purpose-driven mission as Christians in the world.

In light of this, he told me how his daughter is often asked to answer questions like “Are you one of those born again Christians?” to which she responds, “Well, what do you mean by ‘born again?’” Pretty consistently the answer she gets to that question prompts her to say, “Well if that’s what you mean, no, I’m not.” What then transpires is an opportunity for her to tell what she does believe. Inevitably, people are more interested in her definition, and are much more willing to accept her as a Christian.

I suppose she could answer the “born again” question in the affirmative and end the discussion right there, but nothing would be gained.

Her open-ended response is wise for two reasons.

1) It gives her an opportunity to correct what wrong impressions people have of Christianity.

2) It allows her to tell her own story and put the meaning of her faith into her own words.

Talking about Jesus needs to be more about meanings than about words, anyway. As Christians we get so wrapped up in words that we don’t stop to consider what meanings our words are conveying. That’s why we need to ask questions instead of just giving answers. I think sometimes we hide behind words because then we don’t have to think about the meaning of what we say. We can just say it, go on our way, and feel justified for having said the right thing.

Memorized phrases and stock words only mean something to those who are already members of the Christian club. They provide a certain security against not knowing what to say. On the other hand, if you have a living, vibrant relationship with God through Christ, you will never be at a loss for words when asked about your faith. It will be the most natural thing to talk about, and you will be able to phrase your response in terms that will take into account the person you are talking to.

Next time someone asks if you are a Christian, ask what he or she means by “Christian.” You might just have the chance for a real conversation, and in the process, find out what you really believe!

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:5-6)

Question: How do you respond when asked about your faith?

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“Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ” Ephesians 6:5

Because the Lord loves us and wants the very best for us, He has given us His Word, which speaks to all aspects of life. One area He deals with in detail is relationships, and He gives clear instruction to those involving employees and employers. God says that certain attitudes and actions ought to be true of believers as employees. These passages were written to a society that allowed slavery, but what was true for Roman slaves remains true for us today.

Employees are to obey their employers with sincere obedience. (Colossians 3:22) We are not simply to appear submissive; rather, we are actually to honor workplace superiors by our obedience. We are released from this command only if our employer requires us to do something that is in violation of a scriptural principle. (Acts 5:29) So the next time you are tempted to speak badly of your boss or complain to a coworker, be aware that would violate the Word of God.

We must submit to managers who are not gentle, who are unreasonable, and who put more tasks on us than we think is right. Why? Because God favors those who bear up under sorrow and suffer unjustly. (1 Peter 2:19) In addition, our response on the job broadcasts a message about the kingdom of God. By our right conduct, we are defending the principles of truth. The Lord has placed you in this position – even if it is a difficult one – and wants you to reach your supervisor and fellow employees with an accurate reflection of godly living. What will they see in you?

Question: What is the largest challenge you face while attempting to share your faith at work, school, or other social situations?

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” Matthew 5:13-16

God’s purpose for each one of us is that we will make a lasting impact. We are to have a spiritual influence in the lives of the people we encounter. This is not an option; it is a command. And the power of our impact is going to be determined by the character of our life. The Word of God uses a very common item to describe what our character should be – we are to be like salt.

Food is flavored by salt. Similarly, we Christians are to season the lives of the people around us in such as way that they will come to know Jesus Christ. Salt also creates thirst. When we enjoy a big slice of hickory smoked ham for breakfast, we need a glass of water to go with it! When we are at work or among friends, people notice our joy and contentment and desire to have those things for themselves. Their heart thirsts for God.

Salt also has unique healing properties. One treatment for a sore throat is to dissolve salt in warm water and gargle with the soothing solution. In the same way, we who follow Christ can be a healing element in the lives of others. If we take a moment to listen to people’s hurts, we will have their attention. Then we can share with them the truth that heals a broken heart.

Salt loses flavor when it becomes mixed with impurities. In other words, when we let sin into our life, we lessen the strength of our witness. So in order to preserve the power of our “saltiness,” we must guard the way we live. Then our impact can be strong and lasting.

Question: Why did Jesus choose to use the analogy of salt/saltiness to describe how our Christian character should be?

Updated to modern English by Darren Hewer, 2008.

Learn how to become a better “fisher of men”: Volunteer with TruthMedia online in your spare time. Become a mentor, write for us, or explore other opportunities!

Please open your Bible and read Luke 5:1-11.

We learn about the necessity of human action from the story of the fish and nets. The catch of fish was miraculous, yet the fisherman wasn’t ignored, and neither was his boat or his fishing tackle. All were used to catch the fishes as part of God’s miracle.

When people come to know the saving grace of God, He works through our ordinary methods. While people are not saved by our own efforts and are saved by God alone, God will be pleased by the “foolishness” of preaching to save anyone who might believe. God has selected a plan by which He is magnified all over the Earth through His work in us.

Human effort by itself is utterly futile: “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything,” said Peter (Luke 5:5) Why was their labor unproductive? These were fishermen plying their trade. They were not rookies, they understood the work. Did they labor unskillfully? No. Were they slacking off? No, they “worked hard”. Did they lack perseverance? No, they worked through the night. Were there no fish in the sea? There certainly were, for as soon as the Master came, they swam in great numbers to the nets.

Then what is the reason? It’s because there is no power in their actions apart from the presence of Jesus. “Apart from me,” Jesus says, “you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) But with Christ we can do all things.

Christ’s presence confers success. Jesus sat in Peter’s boat, and His will mysteriously drew the fish to the net. When Jesus is lifted up in His Church, His presence is the Church’s power. It’s the shout of the king. “I, when I am lifted up from the earth,” Jesus explains, “will draw all men to myself.” (John 12:32) Let’s go out today on our work of soul fishing, both looking up in faith and around us in solemn reverence. Let’s toil until night comes, and we know we won’t labor in vain, for He who admonishes us to let down the net will fill it with fishes.

Questions: Have you been struggling for success lately? Have your nets been found empty?

I have a good friend whose daughter has a fantastic singing voice and is sailing through a bunch of open doors in the music business in L.A. and Hollywood. It has thrown her, as a Christian, into a largely non-Christian world, and my friend called me today to record his appreciation for the things I have been discussing here lately in regards to our purpose-driven mission as Christians in the world.

In light of this, he told me how his daughter is often asked to answer questions like “Are you one of those born again Christians?” to which she responds, “Well, what do you mean by ‘born again?’” Pretty consistently the answer she gets to that question prompts her to say, “Well if that’s what you mean, no, I’m not.” What then transpires is an opportunity for her to tell what she does believe. Inevitably, people are more interested in her definition, and are much more willing to accept her as a Christian.

I suppose she could answer the “born again” question in the affirmative and end the discussion right there, but nothing would be gained.

Her open-ended response is wise for two reasons:

1) It gives her an opportunity to correct what wrong impressions people have of Christianity.

2) It allows her to tell her own story and put the meaning of her faith into her own words.

Talking about Jesus needs to be more about meanings than about words, anyway. As Christians we get so wrapped up in words that we don’t stop to consider what meanings our words are conveying. That’s why we need to ask questions instead of just giving answers. I think sometimes we hide behind words because then we don’t have to think about the meaning of what we say. We can just say it, go on our way, and feel justified for having said the right thing.

Memorized phrases and stock words only mean something to those who are already members of the Christian club. They provide a certain security against not knowing what to say. On the other hand, if you have a living, vibrant relationship with God through Christ, you will never be at a loss for words when asked about your faith. It will be the most natural thing to talk about, and you will be able to phrase your response in terms that will take into account the person you are talking to.

Next time someone asks if you are a Christian, ask what he or she means by “Christian.” You might just have the chance for a real conversation, and in the process, find out what you really believe!

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:5-6)

Question: How do you respond when asked about your faith?