Christians in America have been saying, “No” to Jesus. He is continually asking each one of us to be a witness for Him and we have refused. We’ve said “no”. And because we have said “no”, the world continues on in darkness. And what we have this Christmas is an opportunity to say, “Yes.” “Yes, I’ll shine the light. Yes, I’ll spread the Word. Yes, I’ll be who You have called me to be.”
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If you want to find Jesus, the light of the world this Christmas, all you have to do is know what to remove and remove it. You just have to know what to get out of the way and get it out of the way. A thousand things will clamor for your attention, a thousand things will call for your time, and unless you are willing to remove the clutter, eliminate all the extra stuff you will not find the Light of the World that is shining in the dark. And the only way you will encounter Jesus is if you practice the art of elimination and make room for Him.
People used to praise God by giving Him burnt offerings. They would burn up things that were valuable – incense, first fruits, animals that were their livelihood – and Scripture said it was a pleasing aroma to God. It smelled good! But there were also times when the smell of God’s people turned foul. Because their hearts and their lives were no longer full of genuine praise, it was like rotten milk! And God was repelled by His people – their smell made Him sick! Paul talks about us being an aroma to God. And my question for you is this: How do you smell?
People used to praise God by giving Him burnt offerings. They would burn up things that were valuable – incense, first fruits, animals that were their livelihood – and Scripture said it was a pleasing aroma to God. It smelled good! But there were also times when the smell of God’s people turned foul. Because their hearts and their lives were no longer full of genuine praise, it was like rotten milk! And God was repelled by His people – their smell made Him sick! Paul talks about us being an aroma to God. And my question for you is this: How do you smell?
