The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. (James 1:9)
AS I SIPPED COFFEE in a booth at McDonald’s, my eyes followed a man outside the large window. He dodged raindrops as he limped along the sidewalk toward the entrance. His clothes were torn; his tennis shoes, once white, carried grime. The man’s raven-colored backpack was stuffed like a turkey at Thanksgiving.
Once inside the restaurant, the gentleman dropped the backpack on the table, drew change from a pocket in the canvas pack, and shuffled toward the counter to place his order. Then, with coffee in hand, he returned to his table, sat, and pulled out the Bible. He studied the Scriptures with pen in hand.
His expressions reflected the true happiness and contentment that come from God alone. Though the man appeared poor, he was spiritually rich in Christ. As he sat before God, engrossed in the Word, I surmised that he forgot about his temporary earthly suffering.
Let’s forget about our circumstances and remember our spiritual wealth. People watch our countenances and mannerisms every second, minute, and hour. We must ask ourselves: Am I being a witness for Christ? A good verse to remember is Romans 8:17–18. “If indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I [Paul] consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Let your actions declare your unspeakable joy.
© 2018 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
