What Sort of Person Am I?

Daily Reading: Matthew 8

Scripture Focus: The men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this?" (Matthew 8.27)

Devotional Thought: "What kind of person are you?" That question can be asked from two perspectives. One perspective is negative: "How could you do this to me? Just what kind of person are you?" The other perspective is positive: "Why would you do this for me? What kind of person are you?"

When Jesus calmed the storm, saving the lives of his disciples, they asked, "What sort of man is this?" They marveled at him. I believe that they had a little fear and amazement mixed in together - a little of both the positive and the negative.

What sort of person are you? Today we will cause people to ask that question - perhaps not consciously, but they will ask. And, our lives will answer!

Which perspective do you want to leave? Do you want them muttering to themselves, "How could s/he do that to me?" Cross words, careless actions, and caustic attitudes leave behind an atmosphere of anger, mistrust, and pain. The world will be a little darker, a little less hopeful if we are mean-spirited or high-minded.

Would you rather want to leave people marveling to themselves, "Why would s/he do that for me?" A kind word, a helpful deed, and a forgiving spirit will leave behind the aroma of Christ. The world will be a little brighter, a little more joyful, a little easier to take.

"What sort of man/woman is this?" Try to remember this question today. It will change not only your day, but also the day of everyone you meet!

Prayer: Lord, go with me today. Be in me that divine Light that will make people marvel and not mutter. I want to spread your kingdom and your kindness everywhere I go today. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 1 Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob! 2 Raise a song; sound the tambourine, the sweet lyre with the harp. 3 Blow the trumpet at the new moon, at the full moon, on our feast day. 4 For it is a statute for Israel, a rule of the God of Jacob. 5 He made it a decree in Joseph when he went out over the land of Egypt. I hear a language I had not known: 6 "I relieved your shoulder of the burden; your hands were freed from the basket. 7 In distress you called, and I delivered you; I answered you in the secret place of thunder; I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah (Psalms 81:1-7)