Epistles of Christ
II Corinthians 3:3 says, “Clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.”
Ever heard the statement, “Sometimes the only Bible people read is our lives?” This would seem to fit with this verse before us. As one writer penned, “Christian lives are about the only religious books the world reads. They do not study God's Word, but they do study God's people.” We may not realize it or recognize it but people are watching how we live when we say that we are a follower of Christ.
Our lives, how we live, will speak volumes to those around us. I like how one commentator put it, “It’s not about how well we articulate our faith to others; rather, it’s about how our faith influences our actions, relationships, and responses in our everyday lives. For instance, when we display love, joy, peace, and patience, we become ambassadors of Christ’s character, demonstrating His qualities to others in a practical way.”
It must be our desire to truly reflect Christ and what He really means to us. This means that we must know that the Holy Spirit has been the One who has changed us within, in our hearts, and that He is the One who is living through us and teaching us how to live. Jesus said He would do that, in John 14:26, which says, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
It is when we live Christ, or allow the Holy Spirit to help us live Christ, that those around us will see what it truly means to be a follower of Christ. Let me quote one more writer, who said, “We’re called to be vessels of grace and love for those around us. When the world sees us living out our faith authentically, it provokes questions and curiosity about what drives us. Our faith should prompt those who see our lives to inquire about our source of hope and strength. Matthew 5:16 also encourages us: ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ It is through our daily interactions that we become that living epistle, sharing God’s love and truth with those who may not yet know Him.”
May the Lord help us to a living Epistle of Christ!