Your Actions Say a Lot

You probably don't remember what it was like to be a freshman in college. That has been too long ago for me to have a clear memory. However, you can probably recall some of the loneliness, confusion, excitement, hope, doubt, freedom and wildness of that time of your life.

Well, I've been talking to a few freshman this week and they have been telling me some of their impressions about the faculty they have teaching their classes. It is very obvious to them who it is who cares and who it is that cares less. Some of the horror stories they have shared about their professor's attitude is frightening. Some have come across as uncaring, harsh, negative and undisciplined. You begin to wonder why these folks ever decided to teach!

As Christians, we are called by God to be very different. As a matter of fact, Ephesians 4:1-3 tells us that it is because of our "calling" to be at the university (or whatever our occupation) that we are to walk in a manner worthy of that call. The "worthy walk" is described by these terms:

• Humility - dependance on the Lord because we realize our inability apart from Him
• Gentleness - teachable while remaining under God's control
• Patience - willingness to be long-suffering with people in spite of their shortcomings
• Forbearance - to endure things even when they are unjust
• Love - re-read I Corinthians 13 if you need a reminder
• Peace - acknowledgement of God's faithfulness in spite of circumstances

These are the marks of someone walking worthy before God. Can you begin to see the influence such a life can have on a new student that you have a chance to interact with? Which lifestyle do you think they will gravitate to when they have problems and need to talk with someone? Will you be that kind of person for someone today?

After talking with students this week, one thing is obvious. They notice our actions (all of them), and they can recognize someone who has their best interests at heart. They are watching - and if they are in our classes, we hope they are taking notes.

Scripture: Ephesians 4: 1-3 - "I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Action Point: Make a difference in the life of the first person you meet after reading this MMM by walking worthy by God's grace.

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