It’s Time to Shine预览

Going in Christ

The first three days of this Plan laid out the source of our light’s radiance. We covered the importance of remembering who we are and the profound significance of being “in Christ.” Yesterday, we were challenged to grow in Christ through fuller immersion.

Now for our calling: To go and live “as Christ.”

What do you do? This is a common question we ask people when we’re meeting them for the first time. But it’s not an easy question for me to answer, because just like you, I “do” a lot of meaningful things.

I encourage and give support to my husband and six adult kids. I give lots of love as “Gigi” to five littles. I teach, podcast, write, pastor, and befriend many. I lead two small groups and a nonprofit ministry.

And I seek God daily. That’s the big one, right?!

I want to remind you that your life is much more than the job, school, or title you hold. Because the most important thing we can ever “do” is love.

“When you know who you are, you know what to do.” We say this statement a lot at our church. And Jesus made our “do” very clear when He said:

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:12-13 NIV

Love as Christ has loved us. How can we possibly live this way? Let me assure you that we can—because of Christ in us!

But if you’re like me and get identity amnesia, I will share a simple tool that has made a powerful difference in my life: I use daily “reminders.”

On my bedside table, I’ve placed a pretty notecard message that reads: “Sent to Shine His Love.” I have a plaque in my kitchen with C.T. Studd’s compelling quote, “Only one life, twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” And of course, I’ve got numerous daily reminders as I read the Bible.

There’s my notepad with a visual image of a cross that leans on my bathroom mirror. Recently, I scheduled a “reminder” on my phone that continually pops up throughout each day, and it’s made a huge impact. It reads, “As I have loved you, go love.”

To avoid getting distracted by the world and pulled into self-centered living, sometimes we need little reminders. Sometimes our “going in Christ” needs a little nudge—a little reminding of what we are supposed to be “doing.”

What can you visually put in place to help remind you of who you are, so you’ll know what to do?

Reflection Question:

• What are some daily opportunities that could turn into “As I have loved you, go love” moments?

Look Closer: As you read today’s Scriptures, choose one to dig deeper into by reading the whole chapter. Take notes on what you learn.