Abiding in the Shadow of Chist

There is a driving force behind the work of God. Like the wind pushing at your back, you feel nudged along. Anticipation building as you sense a greater purpose at work though your temporal eyes can not yet grasp the vision. Still, you hear a soft whisper, "Yes," "take note", or even, "watch and see." This is when I recognize the Lord at work around me. Sometimes your feet seem so light upon the path you feel carried.

Oswald states that in the beginning of our Christian walk, "our testimony is based solely on what God has done for us." However he challenges the believer to move beyond testifying about what Jesus has done in or through you, and testify to Jesus Christ himself.

In so doing, the "Christian worker" is no longer propelled by their own role in His work, rather they point a spiritual finger to Christ period(Oswald). Thereby all of their experiences are to be viewed as happening to Jesus, rather than them.

For me this is a bit of a mind bender...yet, I understand Oswald's meaning. When I follow Jesus, He is my shield. Insults, slander, rejection, hate and the like are aimed at Him. Abiding in Christ and becoming one with the Lord means all assaults on our person or spirit is an attack on Christ. This perspective empowers the child of God to remain soft towards others, though they inflict injury. The stolen parking spot, the insult at church, the lack of appreciation from our boss, the rejection of our family, these can be wounds or they can be fiery arrows at Christ from the enemy. Allowing Jesus to be our shield douses Satan's wrath and frees us to retaliate against the real enemy...only we use arrows of love. Oh, how the devil hates that! He is defenseless.

However, this also applies to the praise and edification aimed our direction. Recognizing it is only Christ that is good in us, only by the hand of God that we are blessed with gifts and talents, we give all glory to the Lord. Be on your guard, the enemy can use praise to turn your finger towards yourself!

The daily challenge of less of us, more of Christ is indeed something to ponder. May today's journey compel me to testify to Jesus...and Jesus Christ alone.