Ephesians 4:24 “And to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” ESV

Several years ago, when our family lost a brother to addiction, I was forever grateful to friends who loved us and prayed us through the tragedy. About a year following Mark’s death, one of those friends dropped by my house. (Now, this was one of those dear ones who speaks straight truth in Christian love, with a side of, “Bless your heart.”)

In my entryway sat a large potted plant from my brother’s funeral. Adorning this peace lily was an enormous white funeral bow I had left intact just as the florist had delivered. My sweet friend pointed at it and said, “I’m going to tell you this because I love you. That bow screams, ‘funeral home!’ You need to take it off.”

After she said this, I did recall previous guests commenting on my funeral plant, but it never dawned on me why they assumed it came from a funeral. Obviously, my friend was right. So without hesitation, I removed the bow, realizing that indeed this screaming funeral-bow announced the plant’s origin.

Our lives are so very reminiscent of that funeral bow. Our actions as Christians should shout to the world that we are God’s children and possess His godly DNA. His righteousness and holiness should be seen in us.

So consider this. . .

As we stand in that slow grocery store check-out line, is God’s goodness evident in all we say and do?  If we begin those heavy sighs, those eye rolls, and we strain on tip-toes to glare at the problem customer holding up progress, do others see the Father’s patience in us? Or just perhaps do those obnoxious sighs and hateful stares scream to the rest of the patrons, “Hurry Up! I’m more important than you!”

Bleacher-sitting at our child’s ballgame when the ump makes a ridiculous call, do our loud shouts and exaggerated arm gestures suggest to the spectators and players that we are children of God? Do others hear the Father’s holiness coming from us amidst our deafening insults?

Each day offers us opportunities to shine God’s righteousness and holiness. When the fruit of God’s spirit dwells within us, our actions will shout to the world (like a funeral bow) our origin. And friend, we are children of the Heavenly Father.

Father God, help us to meet each opportunity in a manner that demonstrates Your holiness. 

Blessings,

Rita Cochrane