It's A Small World

A few weeks ago, Judy, who has wintered in my recreational vehicle (RV) park for many years, came up to me after a meeting with a letter in her hand. It was a Christmas letter that she had received, and below the typed text was a handwritten note: "Do you know a Sharon Cook who lives in Apache Junction and writes for PresbyCan?"

After a bit of discussion and my amazed comments, I learned that the letter was from Sharon Lundquist in Oregon, USA. Judy is the cousin of the two Lundquist brothers who are married to Sharon and Gail, both PresbyCan writers. I knew that I had a few commonalities with some of our writers, usually to do with Arizona or hobbies, but this was a more direct link, and unexpected.

In the winter, the population of my RV park swells to over 2,000 as people come from all over the United States and Canada to enjoy our warmer winters. So, it's not unlikely that in such a large group, there will be connections between us, especially since our society has become so mobile. Still, it was a surprise to find out that I know someone who knows someone who knows me — like the theory of six degrees of separation: any person can be connected to any other person through no more than five intermediaries. It is indeed a small world.

This encounter with Judy made me think about how, not only might we know someone who knows someone who knows us, but because people like to share what they know — good or bad — that also means that our actions are known in places that we have never been nor likely will ever be. Then, the question is whether those actions are consistent with what our lives should be like if we are in fellowship with Christ! Does everyone who knows us see the same, consistent behaviour, or do we act like different people in different situations?

Colossians 3:12-13 – Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. (NLT)

Paul clearly lays it out: God chose us and loves us, therefore, regardless of where we are or who is with us or who knows us, we must "dress in the wardrobe God picked out for [us]" (MSG), make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive others because God forgave us. These are not suggestions — note the imperative action words: "you must clothe" "make allowance" and "forgive".

Finally, let's make it our aim to "do everything in love". (1 Corinthians 16:14 NLT) Then, no matter who is watching from near or far, our "good deeds [will] shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." (Matthew 5:16 NLT)

Prayer: Father, help us always to be aware that we are witnesses for You through our actions. Help us to be clothed in Your goodness and righteousness so that, no matter who is watching, we can bring glory to Your name. Amen.

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