If I Didn't Know Your Name

I'm no different than anyone else who gets excited about a new year... a new decade... a new chance to start (some things) over. I like January 1.

And this year, we are going to be inTENtional in 2010.

One of the things I want to be intentional about is scripture memory. Just today I was talking to a new friend and a passage of scripture came to my mind at the right time. Had I not already studied and "hidden" that in my heart I would not have been able to encourage her when she needed it. So, every so often I will share with you some of the ways we're hiding the Word in our hearts and calling it to memory!

Proverbs 20:11 - Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.

Learning this verse is not a manipulative ploy to get my kids to obey me. It's a gentle reminder to them (and me) that people will know us by what they see -- the fruits in our life.

Borrowing from an idea I read in a book, I asked the kids, "If I didn't know your name, what could I call you that would describe you?" After a blank look, they answered, "Funny, smart, short, athletic, etc."

I took it a few steps further.

Boys, people will know you by your actions - what they see in you. Do they see a reflection of Christ? Do they see someone who is compassionate? Do they see you stand up for the Truth? Or do they see bickering, arguing brothers who never stop fighting about who takes out the trash?

Our actions tell the world what is in our hearts (what's in the well.) If others don't see evidence of our love for God in our life, how will they ever know?

Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure or right. (Adults, it doesn't just apply to children...)

I challenged them to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, whatever happens in this world. (Phil 1:27) because people are desperately looking for what our Savior offers. And we are called to be a mirror. I asked them again, "If I didn't know your name, what would I call you?"

This time the answers were thoughtful and different.
"Kind."
"Loving my family."
"Serious about being a Christian."
"Wanting to have a good heart."

Even a child is known by his actions.
Even a mom is known by her actions.
Even a dad is known by his actions.

I hope they know me as one who loved the Father.

If I didn't know your name, what would I call you?