You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:13-16
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Whether we know it or not, we are being watched. Whenever we claim to be something, people will watch to see whether we live up to it. For example, an athlete is judged by his or her performances. And an investor is valued for his ability to make substantial amounts of money; while a police officer is judged by his ability to perform well under fire.
What is it that Christians are judged for?
When we call ourselves Christians, we are claiming to be mirror images of Christ for all the world to see. We are presenting ourselves as examples of what God had in mind when He put men and women on this earth. It is a presumptuous claim we make, and one that carries with it a considerable amount of responsibility. One of the greatest sins we can ever commit is to call ourselves Christians and then act in ways, which are unacceptable in the sight of the Lord. We must continually study the Word of God and follow the instructions God has given us, devoting ourselves to imitating Christ in all ways possible. When we fail to do so, we bring dishonor not only on ourselves but also on the entire Christian church.
Let's Talk Gospel 
Noel my friend, I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all that you do. You are tireless in spreading God’s word and you are always there to support a friend. You have no problems offering strangers a supporting word and praying for those in need. I have awarded you the Reader’s Appreciation Award my friend. There is no obligation if you do not have time, I understand that perfectly, but I hope that you will accept it either way. God bless you my friend. Patricia
http://loopyloo305.com/2012/08/06/reader-appreciation-award/
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Thank you so much Loopyloo for nominating me for the Readers Appreciation Award. I truly appreciate your kind gesture.
God blesses.
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You are most welcome Noel! God does indeed and may he bless you always my friend!
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Oh, so true! Shining through all our troubles would bring much Glory to God — remembering to do so is another story. Great Post, Noel.
God Bless you & yours!
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It is an difficult task, but we can do it if we try. Thank you so much Lady D for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. God blesses.
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Reblogged this on GoodOleWoody's Blog and Website.
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AMEN! How important it is that we hold up the name of our Savior boldly. If we expereince any shame it should only be when we are not holding HIm up as we should. Great posting
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Thank you so much for your comment Rob. I truly appreciate your stopping by and sharing your thoughts. God blesses.
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Truly, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!” Excellent post, Noel! Thank you for the encouragement to strive to be like Jesus! God bless!
Paulette
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Thank you so much Minister Paulette for your comment. You made a great point. God blesses.
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I think of Annie Johnson Flint’s words: “We are the only Bible the careless world will read”
Everything we do, everything we say, every attitude we show, should be a stepping stone to faith in those who observe. People should see a better quality of life: a desirable quality of life, and as we interact with them, they should see the living Christ in us.
The biggest problem is that people who have absolutely no personal knowledge of Christ call themselves Christians – which makes it even more imperative that we present a true image.
Thanks for highlighting this and for the challenge.
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You are undoubtedly correct Angela. Words are not enough. We need action to back up our words. A Christian is supposed to be the billboard that promotes Christ.
Thank you so much for your perspective. God blesses.
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It certainly is that. Christ taught man how to fulfill himself as man. When we are not living up to what we should be, we are hardly human. But that’s because we’re human. When we call ourselves Christian, we have to keep turning back to him, in order to strive for that higher standard to which we are called to witness.
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Amen! I especially like this, “When we call ourselves Christian, we have to keep turning back to him, in order to strive for that higher standard to which we are called to witness.”
Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. God blesses.
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I know this is a bit late in the game, but what do you do when you see non-christians acting in ways that reflect the fruits of the Spirit? When people who deliberatly choose to reject Christ – Jews, Muslims, Wiccans, athiests, Buddhists, ect – live lives of loving kindness and service to the world?
Hilary
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This is an excellent question Hilary. My answer is , invite them to church. Living a life that reflects the fruit of the Spirit is a learned behavior. “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me ” (Psalm 51:5). Many of us grew up in Christian homes where our parents thought us Christ-like behaviors. However, as we grow older, we drift away from the Church, because of situations like the one described in my post. Nevertheless, we have a conscience, and we know right from wrong, so we continue to display the fruits of the spirit.
Many anti-Christs believe the phylosophy of Jesus, but they do not beliece He is the son of God.
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