CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 824

“Tripping Hazard”

Romans 7:15-25 (ESV)  I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate … For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out … Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! …

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Jesus friend of sinners the truth’s become so hard to see; The world is on their way to You but they’re tripping over me; – from “Jesus, Friend Of Sinners”, by Casting Crowns

A coworker of mine passed away a few months ago.  I had lost contact with them for over a decade.  When I read their obituary I wondered if they had come to accept Jesus as their Savior before they suddenly left this life in the body.  We had travelled extensively working closely together for a number of years.  I had to wonder if I had done all I could to live out the Gospel of Jesus in my work relationship or if I had presented a stumbling block for them.

As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.  So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore let us …never… put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. – Romans 14:10b-13

I reflected on this in morning prayer and I thought about my current job and coworkers.  How many times have I tarnished my witness with my words or when I lost my temper?  Have I presented enough evidence to them of the power of the indwelling presence of Jesus in my heart or have I blended into carnality?  Have I faithfully carried the light of my Savior into the darkness of the worldly workplace or have I snuffed it out?

You are the salt of the earth … You are the light of the world … let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. – Matthew 5:13-16

It truly is a difficult and narrow path to walk – to be in the world and not of it.  I fully understand and echo Paul’s exclamation of “Wretched man that I am!”

Thank God we do not have to walk the narrow way in our own strength and ability.

Thank God for the Cross of Jesus Christ that by His sacrifice we can be declared righteous in Him.

Thank God for the gift of His Holy Spirit who empowers us to carry boldly the Light of the Gospel of Jesus, not so much by what we say, but more by how we act and react to everyday life circumstances as we live and move and have our being in Him.

Do you need to wear caution tape in the work place?  Are you a tripping hazard?  May the Holy Spirit empower you to walk the narrow path as you follow Christ.  May His indwelling presence be evident in your speech and manner as you allow the light of Jesus to shine for others to see clearly their way to Him and not stumble.