This week on The Liquid Blog, we’re learning the importance of standing for something from Dave Adamson, our special guest speaker and Author of the book MetaChurch. For Dave’s full guest message at Liquid Church, we encourage you to visit LiquidChurch.com/Messages. 

If you consider yourself a Christian, you should know that the world is watching. Not only is the world watching you, but so are your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. You are a reflection of what you say you worship, so consider carefully what you stand for.

WHAT DO YOU DO?

When people see you at home, at your job, or at the local grocery store, what do they see? Or, more importantly, WHO do they see? When you open your mouth to speak, can love be heard from those listening? When a challenging situation arises in your life, is it faith that you step out in, or is fear what you embrace?

WHO DO YOU REFLECT?

If you believe in Jesus, your actions are a reflection of Christ to those around you. As the Church, we represent Christ because He lives in us. That means our words, thoughts, attitudes, and actions should reflect how we love others as God loves us. The truth is, Jesus desires His Word to flow out of our mouths into this world that is broken by Sin and desperately needs spiritual healing! Colossians 3:17 says it this way: “And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” So, everything we say and do should reflect Jesus in a world that needs Him.

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE ONE?

To show the importance of our actions, we can learn from Luke 15:1-6, where Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep. In this parable, tax collectors and sinners gathered around to hear Jesus. But, the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were upset with Jesus and pointed out, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." 

Jesus knew both groups - the tax collectors and sinners, and the teachers of the law - were confused about how God viewed people who were far from Him. So he tells them this parable:

"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’” - Luke 15:4-6

As you reflect on this parable, think about it: Are you like Jesus, seeking to show the one lost sheep in your life the love and grace of God? Who is the ONE person in your life that you need to go after? Who's the ONE that needs to hear an encouraging word from you? Who's the ONE person in your life that needs an extension of Grace? Will YOU be the ONE to go after the ONE?

A shepherd leaving 99 sheep to go after one makes no logical sense until that one is YOU or someone you love.

God values people who are disconnected from him so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to find them. So Luke 19:10 says, "For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost." 

It's the responsibility of followers of Christ to make sure disconnected people know they are valuable to God. As a church, it's our responsibility to let the community know they are valuable to God and that this church is FOR them! 

"For far too long, the Church has been known for what it's against. We want to be known for what we are FOR." — Jeff Henderson (Author & CEO of The FOR Company)

So, we encourage you to consider what you stand for this week. Be intentional to represent Jesus to others in a way that draws people to Him, not from Him. 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

For additional related content from Liquid Church, check out the resources below:

• MESSAGE: This article is a summary of Pastor Dave Adamson’s guest message at Liquid Church called “What Are We For?.” Click Here for additional inspiration from the full message.
• MESSAGE: Watch Pastor Tim’s “Is Christianity Good For Humanity?” Click Here to learn the historical evidence for whether Jesus really lived and if Christianity is good for humanity. 
• ARTICLE: “Prioritize Loving Well” -  Click Here to read an article all about How You Can Show God’s Love To Others.