“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26 & 29 (KJV)
Returning home from a pastoral visit, Mrs. Smith (Bobbie) and I decided we would take the scenic tour through the mountains surrounding Calhoun County, Alabama. We turned onto Bains Gap Road and enjoyed the fall colors despite the drought. Evidently, the trees were getting enough water because the colors were radiant. The sunlight glistened off the leaves as it shone through the trees.
Driving through this forest was different than going down the highway and enjoying the view from a distance. Our drive was up close and personal. Very quickly, we got the sense of being in the scenery rather than simply looking at the scenery. The environment overwhelmed us and we became a part of it. This particular route takes about 20 minutes of time to complete. We were living pieces of the scenes as they unfolded around us. What a marvelous experience of God’s beauty in nature!
This experience caused me to consider some things. What a bout people who admire Christ but never act in faith? Are they like the person who drives down a highway and views the scenery from a distance? What about those who by faith are in Christ? They are no longer looking at the scenery; they have become a part of the scenery. When we become a part of Christ, he changes us. He impacts our lives in a way that will never let us be the same again. It is a foundational change. He changes our future. It is an eternal change!
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Enable us to yield to the changes you make in our lives. Empower us to live for your glory. This I pray in Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for Jesus Christ and live to his glory,