From Life's Window
Demos for Christ
By Solveig Hultgren
Shopping for the children's school shoes had caused my feet to beckon for detachment from my body. After two hours we finally made the purchases. Then it happened. I heard a faint voice say, "Mom, do you remember you said we could go to the toy store after we finished shopping?" Though my conscience and my feet were having a stormy conversation, I knew my faithful word was on the line. We headed off to the toy store.
Our tired children gradually displayed power-walking skills as they saw
the toy store. But my chin nearly hit my sternum when we saw all the
demonstration toys on display. The "demo" toys squeaked, squawked, and
talked and our children were enthralled. Our second grade son bustled
from one "demo" to another, looking to find the ones that were working.
He loved the first-hand experience with what the toy would really be
like if it were his own. As I stood watching the "demo" pursuit, it
reminded me of the apostle Paul's description in I Timothy 1:15-16:"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life."
In a sense, Paul saw his life on earth as a demonstration model of the touch of God's unlimited patience and mercy upon a sinful man's life. The result of God's touch on Paul was other lives being transformed by the Master Craftsman, Jesus. The same is true today. As women on "display" for Jesus, I am convinced we can come to every unbeliever with two key qualities: UNDERSTANDING and EXAMPLE.
First, we have tremendous understanding about the true spiritual standing of our lost friends, because at one time we stood in their shoes, alienated from God, without real hope or acceptance. The apostle Paul remembered his "spiritual genealogy" quite well. In fact he described himself as the worst of lost sinners, needing to be saved (vs. 15). I think it's vital to remember where we've come from and how far God has brought us. With this understanding, we can draw closer in heart, focus, and prayer for our dear friends.
Second, we have been given an example to display in the way Jesus dealt with us in our sin. "I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example . . . (vs. 16)." Christ reached out, pouring His love and forgiveness upon us, waiting for us to come . . . so that through us, our lost friends could come to know Him too.
The unbelievers with whom we rub shoulders get first-hand experience with what God is really like as they listen to our stories and watch our lives. It can occur absolutely anywhere, requires no equipment, and the "training" is hardly worth mentioning. If we are willing to recall and are prepared to retell what Jesus has done in our lives, those around us can believe in Him and receive eternal life! Just as our son was captured by first-hand experience with what the toys would really be like, so women around us are looking and listening to see what Jesus would really be like in their lives.
My personal prayer is, "God please equip me to accurately and honestly reveal You to whomever You place in my path and on my heart. Neighbors, friends, and moms around me need you, Lord. Help me to be ready to share where I've come from in You. Ignite my mind to remember how You so powerfully touched my life and heart. Father, I ask all this so that these precious people around me will believe and receive You. Amen."
Solveig Hultgren and her husband, Ron, have ministered with The Navigators in Australia.