A model of good deeds and works

And show your own self in all respects to be a pattern and a model of good deeds and works, teaching what is unadulterated, showing gravity [having the strictest regard for truth and purity of motive], with dignity and seriousness. And let your instruction be sound and fit and wise and wholesome, vigorous and irrefutable and above censure, so that the opponent may be put to shame, finding nothing discrediting or evil to say about us. Titus 2:7,8 AMP

Every day we are modeling deeds and works to people, whether we realise it or not. I once saw a very confronting video on You Tube, called 'children see, children do'. It illustrated very clearly that children are watching the adults in their circle of influence and copy their behaviours, the good and not so good.

What we do and say around other people can have a profound affect on their lives. If we want to be an effective witness for Jesus, we need to do a stock-take of our current deeds and works. What are we doing with our lives that shows Jesus grace and love to the people in our circle of influence? And just as importantly, lets consider what are we doing with our lives that doesn't show Jesus grace and love?

As James says, Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coast or a cup of soup - where does that get you? Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is an outrageous nonsense? James 2:14-17 MSG

We have a choice to align our words and actions with Jesus Christ's words and actions, as best as we can. Always remembering that we are not perfect, we will sometimes do and say the wrong thing. We need to remind ourselves, that 'You can no more show me your good works apart from your faith that I can show you my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove.' James 2:18 MSG

We are here to be Christ's ambassadors, His light in this dark world. Being a model of good deeds and works in part of being His ambassador.

Question for today, why not ask Jesus what He specifically wants you to do today to model good deeds and works? Who does He want you to help? You can show Jesus love to someone today and make a difference in their lives.