It’s that time again. Holidays are right around the corner. I’ll admit, I like shopping at Christmas time. It’s not the crowds or the lines at the register that I enjoy. The parking situations can be pretty bad too. Having said that, I love the displays. It seems as though everyone brings their A-game when Christmas rolls around. Merchants know people will be buying so they want everything to look just right. The displays can be so beautiful. It’s like the stores come alive with lights, music and beautiful items that just compete for your attention. I love just strolling through a quaint town and peeking inside a window to see if it beckons me. It usually does!  

Each store or restaurant has their own vibe. They’re all appealing to their own “audience”. My husband is more drawn to a fly fishing shop where I’m more likely to browse through an antique store. Isn’t this the same way The Lord is? He’s put different talents, gifts and layers of who He is in each of us. He’s put us on display to attract a desperately hungry world. When someone “peeks inside” of your life, what are they drawn to? What is The Lord using in you for His kingdom? The list is endless because humanity is so multifaceted that He’s made sure to put the right people in each other’s path of life. This is like a gift distribution. He designed us to live in community. We all need each other’s gifts and talents. This is what makes The Church look appealing to a lost world. ”God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.“ ‭‭(Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬) He wants His people to look welcoming and He wants the enemy to know that we belong to Christ and we’re off limits to him. This shows the world a different way to live. 

The Lord’s church should look appealing when people peek inside and cause them to want to check it out. Even though we, His children, walk through difficult times, we do it differently. We do it with Almighty God leading the way. People who do not belong to The Good Shepherd notice this. They see a difference in our demeanor when trouble comes. We have His promises. ”When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.“ (‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬) Wow! What a promise of peace to His flock! This should be like a lighthouse to those floundering in the dark. 

If you belong to Christ, you have a treasure trove of gifts and talents that He’s put in you. Let your light shine and be appealing to a world that’s looking for something real. Let the storefront of your life be welcoming and inviting. Cause people to want to peek inside.

Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.