That’s some really great advice. Paul is writing to people who were trying to be Christ followers without a Christian heritage or traditions ... or even Bibles. I love what he says. He doesn't urge them to be religious or popular or loud or famous ... but to be quietly excellent in the everyday things. Yep, love that.
What a paradox the 21st century American Christian has become! We tend to be loud and showy as we celebrate a God who came in simplicity. We try to remind ourselves that Jesus told people NOT to accumulate stuff as we shop for things we don't need with money we don't even have. And we're dependent on electronics to the point that even having a quiet hour or an uninterrupted conversation face to face can be a challenge. Wow.
Today I pray that you can each find a way to be quietly, truthfully excellent in the way you do ordinary things. Let God cause people to notice you ... or maybe not to notice you at all; rather to notice him. What better way to honor Jesus than to live your daily life in a way that wins the "respect of outsiders?" Honestly ... how do we represent our Lord if we don't make the time to notice and listen and interact with those outsiders? There never just is time to be with God ... you need to make it. Do that. Be creative ... how does one wrap up a long day at the office, or change a diaper, or do the dishes with quiet excellence? :)
“LORD, as I journey today I will be thinking about the ways in which I can honor you with quiet excellence. Help me be creative! I’m listening.”
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