The primary goals of the Christian are to remain obedient
and strive to win souls to Christ. The reality of a soul being added to the Christian
family is not of the essence, but the effort of spreading the fame of Christ
and developing favor with all the people is at the core. No human can control
who is converted to Christ, but all Christians must live convincing lives that
God, His Son, and Holy Spirit are real and possess all power. In the perfect
and powerful ministry of Christ, He spread His fame in a strategic fashion so
people would come o know Him. Jesus knew that if people could fall in love with
His character, He could then make manifest to them, His Father. “And his fame went throughout all Syria: and
they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and
torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were
lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them” (Matthew 4:24).
Jesus
built His fame for the purpose of powerfully revealing the Father. “And Jesus
increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52).
Christians today must continually build the fame of Christ through living out
His Word and sharing it. Yet and still that is only a portion of the holistic
ministry. The sharing and the living of the Word and mandates of Christ must
transform and bring about favor. “And they, continuing daily with one accord in
the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with
gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the
people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts
2:46-47).
A
unique element of the Christians in the early church was that they were liked,
respected, and well regarded by the non-Christian community. Of course this
does not mean that all people enjoyed Christians, for at this time Paul was
persecuting the church. However, what is evident is that the non-Christian
community was aware of the power and works of Christians. Can the same claim be
made today? Does the church of Christ in your city or community have favor with
the people? Do they know you exist as the early church did in Jerusalem?
Through obedience, ministry, perseverance, and love, continue to build the fame
of Christ and have favor with all the people. Remember, you are the clay
In The Potter’s Hands. God has paved a way
to save you today!