missed opportunity

How can someone trust Jesus if they don't believe? How will they believe if they haven't heard? How can they hear unless someone preaches? How can someone preach unless they are sent? Romans 10:14-21

On my flight back from Bozeman, MT, I sat beside a man traveling to Rochester from Colorado. He was friendly and he talked about his job, his family, etc. There were many opportunities for me to share my faith, but i didn't. My heart is sad thinking about it. People are not as receptive today to hear about Jesus, but he seemed to be open. I missed the opportunity:-(

Many people see Christians as hypocrites. Some people see Christians not any different than those who are not Christians. How can we begin to share Truth with them if we ourselves don't live it? Why would they want to know Jesus if our lives don't look any different? In our outlook, our attitudes, our interactions with people, our integrity and character?

We want to build our character and integrity by living the easy life-the perfect job, the spouse, two kids, and a dog. Maybe church attendance weekly and giving a little money here and there. We don't want the tough stuff that life brings-sickness, death, strife of any sort. We forget that that's how God makes us stronger-through those situations. It's amazing to me how God takes us through this crazy life and teaches us how to rely on Him for strength and comfort.

If I had the perfect life as the world sees it, I know that my reliance on God would not exist. Only when I deal with the tough stuff of life is when i'm reminded that God has always been with me and He loves me. God is my rock and my salvation. That in itself should cause me to live differently. When I face the harsh realities of life, how is my attitude and outlook? Is it still hoping in Christ? Anchored in Christ? Do people see Jesus in me?

Do people see Jesus in you-those who are believers? If our lives don't look any different from people who don't know Jesus, why in the world would they want to know Him? I realize that the Holy Spirit changes the heart, but we still need to be vessels for Jesus. To be used in reaching the lives of those who don't know Him.

The one question I have for myself is.... Am I being obedient in my living in faith in the God of the Universe?