From Possessor to Professor

"Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:16, NASB).

Do you know that you don't need a PHD to be a professor? It's true! The reality is we begin as a "possessor" of our faith and then graduate to a "professor" of that very faith. The requirements for this transition is not difficult at all.

Take a look at the requirements:

1.) Become a child of God through the profession of your faith in Christ and acceptance of Him as your personal Savior. 2.) Dive in and study HIs word, hiding it within your heart for necessary referencing and navigating through life's situations. 3.) Take captive those thoughts and align them with God; then your thoughts will be godly. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect" (Rom. 12:2, NASB). 4.) Allow your words to be those that validate your faith and not be questionable. 5.) Your actions and deeds should now be in sync with those thoughts and words. "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" (Col. 3:17, NIV). 6.) Worship the Lord with a family of believers and become part of His body. "And He put all things under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all" (Eph. 1:22-23, ESV).

As you grow in your faith, others will will see what you possess in your heart by what your life professes to them without saying a word. They will take notice and self reflect what they see in you but might be missing in themselves. Accept the challenge to increase your faith daily, so you will be a professor of what God has done and is still doing in your life. "It is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose" (Phil. 2:13, NIV).

Professor _______________, my fellow colleague, never lose sight that God has provided your salvation. Don't ever neglect your faith nor take it for granted. The Lord reminds you to remain a responsible possessor of faith by exercising it in words and actions reflective of His presence in your life. As you graduate from possessor to professor, you help win others to Christ by your conduct, both verbally and nonverbally. You represent His presence in a world so in need of Him. Go now and profess what you possess.

Father, God, what a privilege to be a professor of our faith and to shine for You. May others be led to Christ by what they see in our lives. Thank you for Your love, mercy, grace, and presence in our lives. May we possess a faith in Christ so amazing that others will be led to salvation. We love and honor You, Father, in Jesus' name, Amen.