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| Alexandra |
As I’ve been reflecting on where my heart is focused over the Christmas season, I am reminded of a little six year old girl in Romania. Alexandra had a heart of gold. She shone out among many self-focused and uncontrollable children during camp. She was sweet and gentle. Daily Alexandra sought me out and slipped her tiny hand in mine. She was like my little shadow. If another kid wanted attention she didn’t fuss or make a scene to get my attention back on her, but waited quietly for her turn. She was kind and patient in every circumstance.
Her character blazed one day in particular; we had just finished coloring our craft project and every other kid had headed outside to get a temporary tattoo signifying God’s mark on us as His children. I began picking up the crayons that were scattered ALL over the floor of the church. I then turned around to find Alexandra crawling under pew benches to help pick up the crayons. Not ONE other child had stayed to help pick up, but Alexandra was faithful and cheerfully stayed until every last crayon was picked up. Then, we went outside together. What a beautiful example of a servant’s heart! I was humbled that this little girl was able to display the heart of Jesus in such a simple and yet profound way.
So, that has been my hope through this season: that my heart would be focused on serving and loving faithfully just like Alexandra. Often throughout the Christmas season I become frustrated with the selfish and greedy nature that seems to have taken over Christmas-time in America. I've realized I have about three choices: I can choose to give in and join them. I can "Grinch-it" and complain about them and the sorry state in which we find ourselves. OR I can choose to stand out among them, just like Alexandra stood out among her peers.
Most likely Alexandra has never heard 1 Timothy 4:12, but she sure lived it!
"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity."
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another." Galatians 5:22-26
Who do you know that truly displays the fruit of the spirit? Why are they so few and far between. Let's stop making excuses for not displaying this fruit! After all, as believers, we do have the power of Christ Jesus & the indwelling of the Holy Spirit!
"And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.' Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me." 2 Corinthians 12:9
