Our Actions Lead

But they paid no attention, and Manasseh seduced them to do more evil than the nations whom the Lord had destroyed before the children of Israel. 2 Kings 21:9 (NKJV)-20

Manasseh reigned after King Hezekiah and was the polar opposite of his father. Manasseh was one of the most wicked kings in Judah, rebuilding the high places that his father tore down, making his son to pass through fire, practicing soothsaying, and using witchcraft. He followed the pagan gods of the nations around him and shed the innocent blood of the people of Judah. He seduced Judah into following his wicked ways, causing God to speak against the nation, starting their downfall into captivity.

Like the kings of Judah, our actions can lead people to do good or do bad. Our actions can also lead people to Jesus or drive them away from salvation. How many times has a car with a fish sticker cut you off while giving the one finger salute. Would that make you want to believe in Jesus? Jesus says in Matthew 28:19-20, Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen." Jesus says, "for them to observe", which means we are living the life we are teaching. We might be the first bible that someone sees, so when our actions don't line up with what Jesus is, we lead people away.

Choose to be like Jesus and let your actions lead people to Jesus. Check yourself daily and see if you are being Christ-like. Are you reflecting the character, attitude, and actions of Jesus Christ as seen in His word. Are you personifying virtues such as love, humility, compassion, forgiveness, holiness, and obedience to God’s will. When you walk your talk, the world sees it, and your actions lead people to Christ.