Being Inspiring

We often wonder what we must do to inspire others to be faithful to Christ. Do we argue with them? Do we debate them with facts and figures? Maybe we sit with them and use logic to convince them that Christ is worthy of our devotion. None of these ultimately will inspire anyone to follow Christ.

Brethren, be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. Now, brethren, you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints; I urge you to be subject to such men and to every fellow worker and laborer. I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicos, because they have made up for your absence; for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men. The churches of Asia send greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. All the brethren send greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. If any one has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

1^st Corinthians 16:13-24

This reading is appointed for the commemoration of Saint Gregory the Hieromartyr and Illuminator, Bishop of Armenia. His willingness to endure pain and suffering for his faith is what inspired others to faith. It wasn’t his quick wit. It wasn’t his acumen for debate. It was the simply fact that he was willing to live faith in spite of what might happen to him.

Frankly, this type of behavior is always an inspiration to us. We take notice when we see people willing to struggle for something they believe in. We think that if they are willing to ‘go that far’ for what they believe, it must be important. It gets our attention.

If you want to inspire others to faith in Christ, live like the same faith is important to you. “Let all you do be done in love.” These words from Saint Paul are more than debate and logic. They are calling us to live inspiring lives. Saint Paul immediately gives examples of those whose faith refreshed him in his struggle.

Does your life inspire others to faith in Christ?