Do others ask you why you why you act the way you do? Do you show others your Chrisian love by actions?

I am excited because I am close to getting this web site's revisions up and live.  As I have suggested elsewhere on this blog, this has been a frustrating experience in many regards. 

I established four categories for this blog under the theory I could discuss almost anything under one of the four, but I must admit to having encountered some practical difficulties in my creativity when it comes to the differences between Christianity and Current Events.  So, this is my first effort a a generally Christian column.  If nothing else, it will place at least one blog in each category and provide you with the ability to respond. 

I have found the most difficult part of the past three years has been consistently acting like a Christian.  In my case, I recognize the major cause of this has been a combination of pain and pain killers (narcotics), although like everyone else I am also susceptible to normal events and emotions when people "push my buttons."  The key remains, as always, spending daily time with God in one form or another.  Daily Bible reading, prayer, devotions, meditations, and Bible studies, as well as spending as much time as possible with fellow Christians is the key to staying on track with Jesus. 

We will influence many more people by our behavior than we will ever touch with our words.  Actions truly do speak louder than words and we above all others in the world should and must realize this.  For this, and no other reason, Jesus told us not to hide our lamps under a basket but to set them high on a hill for all to see.  We Christians are the force which keeps the world at an even keel, bringing God's peace and joy to an otherwise dark and dying world.  We do not reflect upon this enough.  We rush through life just like the rest of society.  We eat as many fast-food meals as the balance of the world.  We juggle our children's sports schedules just like the unbeliever next door.

The difference has to be in the outward signs we exhibit as we undertake these actions.  Are we always "happy," content, joyous, and excited about life?  Do we display love and a servant's heart to everyone?  Can others ask you, 'Why are you always so happy/content/joyful?'  This is the sign that Christ is alive and well within you.

Jim A.