Are You Real?

“The
man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the
gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name
and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of
them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” (John 10:2-4)

Real
experiences ring true.  When we hear our
child call our name or when we see a crowd cheer for a sports team, we know
that these experiences are heartfelt.  We
also know when something is unreal. We
can sense when someone is trying to sell us something or when someone is not
being honest with us.

Jesus
used the example of a shepherd coming through the gate to describe the
authentic relationship He wanted with everyone He met.  He cast himself as the shepherd who truly
cared about each person and wanted them to experience His love and salvation.

When
people heard this, they knew He was the “real thing.”  People trusted Him and were drawn to Him because
of this authenticity.  When we step out
to help, are we real in our service? Whether you are helping in the church
nursery, volunteering for a short-term mission trip, or baking cookies for your
neighbor, Jesus expects us to serve out of love and compassion. 

So,
as you walk out the door for your act of service, ask yourself why you’re
involved. If the answer is love, then the result will be an authentic witness
that represents Jesus well.

Can God change
your life?

God has made it
possible for you to know Him, and experience an amazing change in your own
life.

Discover how you
can find peace with God.