Vintage Postcard from Atlantic City, NJ – Mailed in 1963 [See Credits]
“You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.
– The Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 3:3)
Postcards can be traced back to the late 1800s. And although electronic mail and social media have become the preferred way to send greetings from afar, postcards are still used to show off where you are and perhaps give an idea of what you are doing.
This postcard reminds me that as lighthouses for God, not only do we shine the light of His salvation by sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, but we also show its life-changing results by what we do. In other words, our lifestyle is (or at least should be) the visible evidence of our spiritual rebirth. As Paul puts it, we are open “letters from Christ…known and read by everyone.” Think about it. How else can the world see the light of God if they do not witness it IN and THROUGH us? Scripture makes it clear that there must visible proof of our new found life in Christ.
“A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another. By this, all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” – Jesus (John 13:34-35)
“So too, faith by itself, if it is not complemented by action, is dead. But someone will say , You have faith I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” – James (James 2:17-18)
Just as trees are known by their fruits so are true followers of Jesus Christ known by the works they produce. Remember, faith must be demonstrated in action not just declared verbally. It must express itself in genuine brotherly love (koinónia) and in selfless acts of compassion and kindness (chréstotés).
The world may not show or even acknowledge it, but it is desperately searching for the hope, assurance, and fulfillment that can only be found in a personal relationship with Jesus. You and I can show them the way of the cross not only by telling them about God’s eternal plan but by communicating it with a life that testifies to its transforming power.
As a Lighthouse Postcard to the world, how are you lighting up the way for those lost in the darkness of sin? And what image and message are you promoting with your daily life?
Prayer: Lord, may my life reflect the power of your Gospel and may it proclaim boldly that you are the only way to enjoy life to its fullest. Help me to be an effective Lighthouse Postcard to the world. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen!
ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURES
“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” – Romans 10:14
“…I [Paul] urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” – Ephesians 4:1
“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.” – 1 Peter 2:16
“So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” – Colossians 1:10
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