Quote:
Originally Posted by *AQuietPlace*
It really is!
As I mentioned, I posted this because it was something that honestly did concern me. I WANT my light to shine! I don't want to wander around in the world and have no one know that Christ lives inside me! I honestly wondered - would people still know, without the outside signs that screamed "I'm different". My soul rejoiced when I discovered that God's light was still shining through. 
I also used to wonder - is that the only reason people know I'm a Christian, because of the way I dress? Is there anything else about me that demonstrates Christianity? What a relief to know that the fruit of the Spirit really is detectable.
As am I. I still dress quite conservatively.
I agree completely, and this is the exact issue I struggled with for so long. I felt like I was a wall, a barrier... that I was SO different that it had become a major hindrance to my witnessing. Instead of - 'do you want to become like Jesus' it had become - 'do you want to become like ME?' Because to be saved, you're going to have to do everything like I do it. Dress like I dress.
That started bothering me so badly that I could no longer feel peace at all with that lifestyle.
That noise can sure be noisy sometimes, can't it? But the more I give it all to God, the more peace he gives me. |
Your story is so familiar to me, almost exactly my own from what I have read here over time. I am so glad for what you have experienced in the work place, and to God be the glory in your life, not religion or a church.
I don’t know whether you have experienced this yet or not since changing…but this took me by surprise. The last two years have been such a period of growth. I was talking to a woman at work who I also knew was a Christian, but I didn’t know her well. I still had a narrow way of thinking in many things. I was approached by someone on a certain subject of the bible, and this co worker joined in….as she began to speak, the witness of the Holy Ghost was so strong between us…I was all too familiar with the moving of His Spirit. I knew He had stepped right in the middle of the conversation. I know I had to look shocked at first, but quickly recovered. God began to speak to my heart that she was filled with his Spirit…I was witnessing it… it was the beginning for me to stop questioning the salvation of others. God does the work in people. He puts His stamp of approval on His children… He knows those who belong to Him…and who am I to ever question how they became His.
I then began to talk to other believers about their faith in God. I reached out to start encouraging them daily in their walk with God…and especially those who had strayed some. I didn’t reach out to “save” them or bring them to my church, but to help build upon the relationship that they already have with God. They are my brothers and sisters. I have been totally blown away at what God is doing in my place of employment. I’ve seen people revived spiritually and committing back to God through a weekly bible study and prayer meetings in the morning.
Thankfully I have a great place of employment that has encouraged this. I have stood linked hand in hand with coworkers and management praying for many needs and for God to bless our homes, lives, and ultimately the company we work for. It has been the Holy Ghost that has empowered me with boldness to lead prayer and study of the word….because that sure is not me. I was recently approached by the CEO of the company asking if he could be part of the bible studies when his schedule allows he was thankful for what is happening. I am looking for God to continue to do great things.
I like you was hindered by the dress codes of the church and would have never stepped out to do this before. I would think I had such a wonderful God, but along with it comes this lifestyle that is quite unusual, and it really grieved me…I didn’t want to share that bondage. I felt that they would just trade one type of bondage for another. When I mean lifestyle, I mean the culture of the “church” which is nothing more than religion. God does require a lifestyle of commitment that will reflect Him in all we do, but I believe in being Spirit led…and we might not all look the same at all. It is important to be sure of what you believe…and have faith in that.
Romans 14
Our system server is down this morning, and I am so glad that I logged into AFF this morning. I have been encouraged by your testimony. Keep on being a light and witness to others in the work place… reach out and encourage, continue to be a witness. God is good, and He is so much larger and greater than we could ever imagine….and so is his body.
amen
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