By Brad Campbell –

Just a thought to help start your week.

We walked along the cold wet sand enjoying the breeze.  Daughter was in search of small shells to incorporate into some jewelry she enjoys creating, so our eyes were on the sand.  We walked, carefully examining the area around our every step.  That’s when I spotted this.

An empty crab shell.  A crab had once lived in this abandoned place.  The shell had protected the animal from dangers in its life.  That shell, because of its distinct shape and size automatically told us that it had once belonged to a crab.  It was all so obvious.

Some days we aimlessly wander through life.  We are busy with daily responsibilities and so many other things that require our time and attention.  We are doing great and wonderful things.  We are witnessing for the Lord as we walk along.  But are we really involved in all that?  Or are we merely recognized by others because of our shell?

The shell – the outer appearance.  That’s what conveys to the world that we are who we claim to be.  We look like a Christian, speak like a Christian, act like a Christian, therefore we must be a Christian.  Right?  Not necessarily!

Yes, the crab’s shell once belonged to a crab.  That is undeniable.  But when the day comes that our journey on life’s sea is done, our shell has washed up on the shore, and others walk by and observe the place where we lay, will they be able to say without a doubt that we were once a Christian?

May our shell speak for itself.  What do others see?

Just a thought.