Before we begin our continued study of John chapter 17, I want you to
stop for a moment and ponder what happens to others when you enter their
presence. Let's say for instance that there is a small group of women
gathered together - each with whom you are very familiar. As they are
casually chatting, you walk up to the ladies and greet them, remaining
with the group to visit for a bit. How does the atmosphere change once
you enter the setting? How might the topic of conversation change - if
at all - once you join them? Whatever your answer might be, I want us
all to realize that as individuals we do affect one another - hopefully
for the good and glory of God! Verse 12 of John chapter 17 is what brings
us to an in depth look at such matters today…
While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that
thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition;
that the scripture might be fulfilled...
This text an excellent picture of the affect that the presence of Christ
had on other believers. Jesus presence had a preserving power. As a matter
of fact, such power is able to save us for all of eternity!
2 Tim. 1:12 (KJV)
…for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to
keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Now then, if Christ lives in our hearts by faith, our presence should
also have the same preserving affect as well! Do we save from harm that
which is holy by our presence? When you enter a group of ladies as I mentioned
earlier, the topic and the conversation ought to change for the better
if this is true! Whenever we come in contact with others (especially those
for whom God has given us the oversight), as we spend time with people
in this world, we should be aware of lifting up the name of Christ, sensitive
about keeping people on the right track, directing them toward that which
is holy and pleasing to our heavenly Father. Are you inclined to keep
folks ever mindful of their Christian duty? It ought to be perfectly clear
to others what can and can't be discussed in your presence.
For instance, let me present a few scenarios for you to ponder… Do you
find that when people have a worldly joke to share they come your way?
Do you find that when there is a juicy piece of gossip to pass around
they look specifically for you? Do you find that when folks need someone
to accompany them to a newly released movie you get invited, regardless
of it's rating? Do you find that when their worldly attire no longer fits
they pass clothes down to you they wouldn't dare offer someone else? Do
you find that when it comes to discussing controversial church issues
you are singled out as the person who knows all the details? Can other
women whine to you about their husbands and find that you will always
take their side and flatter them with pity? Or does everybody clear their
throat when you come around and suddenly get quiet because of the preserving
power of your presence? Are you the one they can count on to speak up
for that which is right, to give godly counsel or put an end to church
gossip, to halt the negative talk regarding a husband, to point out wrong
attitudes etc.? Praise God if this is so! But shame on us if we are ever
responsible for temporarily putting aside the name of Christ in order
to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season or to entertain any form of
worldliness! Shame on us if we are ever responsible for pulling other
people away from their interest in the fear of the Lord, even for a split
second! The Bible says we are to be ensamples to the flock, and it's not
a part-time responsibility! Yes ladies, God is expecting us to keep His
people ever conscious of His name and attentive to the preservation of
their Christian testimony at all times…
Proverbs 2:10-11 (KJV)
When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto
thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:
1 Thes. 5:23 (KJV)
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole
spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our
Lord Jesus Christ.
The only way possible to continue living up to the name of the Lord is
to stay in His Word. The Word of God is power to the Christian - it is
power to obey. The minute we put God's Word aside in our lives, ladies,
we have put God's name aside. We must hold dear that which God holds dear,
for God has preserved His Word forever! Certainly if our Lord goes to
great lengths to care for His Word from one generation to the next we
should understand the value of the Bible and the wisdom and success that
comes from living by it's untainted truths…
Psalm 12:6-7
The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of
earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt
preserve them from this generation for ever.
Ladies, when the Word of God holds it's rightful place in our lives, then
and only then is it possible for you and I to keep others ever conscious
of the name of Christ. Only then is it going to be possible for us to
raise Christian standards high at all times and lead others to do the
same. Immersing in the preserved Word adds preserving power to our presence.
Search your heart today and reflect on your most recent gatherings with
saved and/or unsaved people. Perhaps you'll find you neglected to take
opportunity to promote God's name and draw someone closer to Him. Ask
the Lord to reveal to you any moments in your life where you may have
ignored His name in previous social settings for selfish purposes. Seek
God's forgiveness and the people in attendance. Go to them and confess
to them that you were wrong for disregarding the name of Christ in order
to do or say what you did wrong, or to get around having to do right.
Restore your fellowship with the Lord and strive always to keep yourself
and others respectful to the name of Christ!
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2000 Pamela A. Iannello
Revised 2003
