In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul wrote "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ".
How much of a challenge is that to us? Every day we live here, we have to think:
* Is this behavior allowing me to be a witness to others?
* If I was the only Jesus these people ever knew, what would they know?
* Do I drive in a manner I could share the Gospel with those around me? (That guy you cut off, The people you pass along the way)
* Do I treat my coworkers/teachers/helpers/waitress in such a way they would think "yup, Christian!"
It seems easy to write this idea off as a Sunday School answer type of thing. A WWJD type question... Or it's easy to think this is a problem only for those living overseas... (In the states you can talk and make things clear...sometimes we MUST rely on behavior when we don't have language) but it's not. These are things that people in the states have GOT to deal with if they are going to be effective... How are you right now... today... 5 minutes ago... if someone saw you... what would your life say?
This verse is poignant for us when we think about our every day life - because a lot of our witness is done by lifestyle - not words... but there are many opportunites to share verbally too. We have to be intentional as possible.
May we all be challenged by these words addressed to us by Paul - that we too may follow Christ so closely that we could say to otheres - Come to the Lord... you can follow me as I follow him!