Eyes to See

Text: 1 John 1:3
we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. (NRSV)

In every church I have served as pastor, I have introduced a time during our worship service when people have the opportunity to share where they have “seen” God at work in their lives or in the lives of others.  My goal has been threefold; to allow people to hear stories that demonstrate God is still active in the lives of those who walk with him, to encourage church goers to look for God outside the church in their day to day lives so that they would have stories to share, and to allow people to become more comfortable with speaking about God in public.

John writes that he and those who are in ministry with him, have shared stories that are authentic.  The things they have declared are things that they have experienced for themselves.  The purpose behind their sharing is to bring into relationship with them those who have not yet had or have not yet recognized an experience of God in their own life.

This is the general call of all Christians.  It is not the responsibility of a few specially gifted individuals we might call evangelists.  The responsibility of all who claim Jesus as their Savior and Lord is to share with others the good news of God’s saving grace through Jesus.  What better way to do this than by simply telling stories about how you have had your life impacted by your relationship with God through Jesus.  

How has God changed your life?  Where have you seen God’s hand at work as you have struggled with a life issue?  What joy have you found in living your life following the values of God’s Kingdom as taught by Jesus?

If you are struggling to come up with answers to these questions, I challenge you to intentionally look for God during your day.  Spend some time at the end of each day reflecting on what happened and where God was present with you.  Begin your day with a prayer seeking God’s direction for your day and end your day with a prayer thanking God for his presence in your life.

Pray with me:

God of love and God of giving, give to me each day the spiritual eyes I need to see you at work around me and in me.  Prepare my heart to receive the gift of your Holy Spirit daily that I might be able to share what I have seen and heard with others who need to hear the good news of your love.  AMEN.