When
you go to a concert, attend a pageant, or spend an evening at the theatre
watching actors perform on the stage, the director often helps you know where
to look by focusing a spotlight where the main action is occurring. As you sit
in the darkness, you have no doubt that what is happening before you is worthy
of your attention. When the spotlight shines, you sit forward in your seat. You
don’t want to miss a second of the action.
While
some people dream of stepping into the spotlight, most folks would prefer to
stay in the shadows, off-stage, in the wings. They are perfectly happy to have
a supporting role. They have never aspired to be a star. If no one ever asks
them for their autograph, that is fine with them.
Even
though that kind of humble spirit pleases God, those who profess faith in Jesus
Christ are called to accept a new role—one that cannot be played out without being
noticed. Peter reminds members of the community of faith, “Once you were
nobody. Now you are God’s people” (1 Peter 2:10).
“Special
people.” “Royal priests.” “A holy nation.” Everything changes. It’s not because
of anything we do. It is all because of what God does for us. Through the power
and presence of the Holy Spirit, God heals, forgives, encourages, empowers and
transforms the lives of those who receive God’s grace. And when God works in
the lives of the people he loves, other people notice. “God brings you out of
the darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
This
is where you feel your face start to flush, your hands start to sweat, your heart
begin to race and your mind begin to go blank, because you know what comes next.
“Now you must tell all the wonderful things that God has done.”
Each
disciple of Jesus Christ is called to declare the wonderful deeds of God. Each
Christian is called to be a witness to Christ in the particular situation in
which he or she lives. The challenge is to be a truthful, faithful, graceful
and effective witness for God.
You
may be asking, “Am I ready for center stage?” Let me remind you that even the
most talented performer spend hours preparing for their time in the spotlight.
As we move through this time together, we are going to rehearse the essential
elements that will help you gracefully lead others to Christ.
