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"WE ARE
GOD’S EPISTLES"
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Scripture: II Corinthians 3:2 "You are our
epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men." An epistle is a written
message or letter of communication. The Apostle Paul uses this
as an example and tells us that our lives are like written epistles. Even
though our lives are not written with ink on tablets or paper, they
are human letters that are written by the Spirit of God and are being studied
by men. Our families, associates, and those we minister to are reading
our lives on a daily basis and the truth of our witness is being manifested
when we are the least aware of it. Those about us are closely
observing our actions to see if our deeds line up with the words we
speak. It is remarkable when someone takes notice and mentions something
good that you did, especially those things that you cannot even recall
yourself. Yet, it is important to recognize that our negative
impressions leave a mark just as well, for every event of our life is a
letter of communication to the world that chooses to read us.
Often when you purchase a book, the outside cover will have a picture and some
brief excerpts that depict the contents of what is on the inside. This
part of the book is meant to entice you to purchase and read the
book. Sometimes, however, the outside is misleading as it turns out to be
more interesting than the entire book itself. This is what happens to our
testimony when others look at us from the outside. They see us on Sunday
in the choir, teaching Bible Study, and doing all the right things.
We convince them that we are great by our outside cover. We entice
them into believing in us, but the real proof of our lives come as they read
the chapters of our lives and watch us face life's daily challenges and
disappointing circumstances. The reality of our responses becomes our
true witness.
God wants to work through us because we are His workmanship that He created in
His image. He knows that others will be looking at us, and He wants us to
be a living communication of His glory. Colossians 1:27 says,
"Christ in you, the hope of glory." God is glorified when
our lives communicate His character to the world and He is pleased when our
inner man lives up to what is represented on the outside cover of our
life. We are His epistles and our lives will speak
volumes. When people read our lives, the Lord wants them to see
His life in our life; His Spirit within our spirit; His peace controlling
us; His love flowing through us; His joy flooding our soul; His kindness
and patience working in us; and His light shining through us. In other
words, He wants us to not only 'talk the talk' but also 'walk the walk' because
we will be read and known by all men. +++
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