The Cinema of Life: What picture of Christianity does your life story portray?

“Out of 100 men, one will read the Bible, the other 99 will read the Christian.” - D.L. Moody

Reflection

A few months ago, while scrolling through Instagram, I stumbled upon the quote above. It was one of many that flashed in my feed, and I could have easily missed it.  However, the simple, subtle message hit me hard, really hard. The impact of the message was enough to pull me out of the mindless habit of scrolling from one social media post to the next in my quest to find the next most interesting thing of the day. It prompted me to stop and reflect on my own life to consider an interesting question: 

What picture of Christianity does my life story portray? 

Application

Candidly, there are moments in my life, many in fact, where the picture of Christianity is unfortunately greatly distorted. I suspect the same can be said of the broader community of believers. It is a reality reflecting my brokenness, the brokenness we all share and our desperate need for a saviour. Thankfully, we have a God who not only mends broken things but restores them and gives them purpose. In turn, we are called to “walk in a manner worthy” (Ephesians 4:1) of the beautiful gift of redemption through Christ. 

Is this to say that the image we should portray to the world is one of perfection? Certainly not. Our brokenness is part of our story. However, as we begin the holiday season, I encourage you to reflect on your life and the picture of Christianity it portrays. I encourage you to live a life that reflects God’s handiwork in your life and the good news of the Gospel, including your brokenness and restoration and new purpose in Christ—all resulting from God’s forgiveness, mercy, grace and unwavering love. 

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10.

Yours in Christ,

Brad