Your Faith Is on Front Street

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen. Hebrews 11:1  But what is front street you ask?  That is where the christian faith is showcased.  Let me give you some examples.  As a Christ follower, we should stand out like a sore thumb around those who do not follow Christ.  I'm not saying that we should go around giving people a sore head by knocking people upside the head with our bible so calm down.  But we should be allowed to do that every now and then too.  I'm just sayin because I know some hard headed people that probably wouldn't even feel it the first few times. 
My point is, our actions should speak louder than any sermon.  We don't have to tell people that they should know better when they act like a fool but if we don't join them, they will  begin to wonder about you.  When your co-workers complain, how do you respond?  If you join them which I am guilty of doing when I am in agreement, but what kind of faith am I displaying when I do that?  None, you are exactly right.  But when you don't join the complaining or if you say something encouraging, they might think you are crazy at first but thats ok because it will spark their curiosity.  What makes Miss Starla Sunshine think that things will get better?  What makes her avoid assuming that our employer won't listen to our ideas?  I use work as an example because that is where I spend a lot of my time.  But what about your friends and family?  Your actions can show them the high road too.  When you express your gratitude for answered prayers that is such a good witness to them.  Now people, please learn the difference between bragging and sharing what the Lord has done for you lately.  Every conversation gives you the opportunity to shine God's light in you.  The next time you have a conversation about the economy (because that is the topic of daily conversation) how can you give God glory? 
Example:
Someone says, "The government is going to shut down by midnight.  The last time that happened, the democrats were in office so what does that tell you?" 
You respond, "All my blessings come from above and God can use anything or anyone to bless you, including the government.  It really doesn't matter whose in office politically because if God is in office for you personally you don't have to worry about what the government is doing and when they are going to do it."

I really overheard someone at work say this the other day but I didn't respond because at the time I was quite annoyed because this person is my friend who knows my political views so my reaction would have been more like this, "Why do you have to be so negative and loud?"  Besides, no one else responded so maybe they were thinking the same thing.  Or maybe it was because most people try to avoid discussing politics or religion at work.  The other day someone told me that they don't talk about religion at work and my response to them in a very loving way was, "I don't talk about religion either but I do talk about God."  No response but I do think they got the point.

Actions really do speak louder than words and sometimes it's what you don't do that can be a positive witness.  So by not complaining and saying negative things that says a lot right there. God has been working with me on my complaining for years and years.  I'm not where a I should be, but I'm also not where I used to be.  You see, I'm a talker and I wear my feelings on my sleeve.  I always thought it was good for people to see all your emotion's but I'm learning that it's good to hide them sometimes to avoid hurting people.  You can be saved and act like the devil, trust me.