Narda Reid
- Aug 26, 2023
- 4 min read

Center Stage

Updated: Sep 2, 2023

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.xz´∑

Psalms 119:18, 24

Worldwide, there are many concerts where various types of artists perform for their "15 minutes of fame", but they usually have to share the limelight with their musicians, dancers, and/ or co-performers. The artists seek to gain attention primarily through their antics, outfits, voices, or a combination. They move all over the stage to ensure that they keep the crowd's attention. Yet only the artist in the center of the stage usually gets the most attention.

One such stage is a model's runway. Each model usually enters the runway one at a time and is scrutinized from head to toe, to see how the outfit showcases the talent of the designer. The model's overall "make-up"... hair, countenance, etc. is done in such a way that it doesn't take away from the outfit, but enhances the brilliance of its creator's workmanship. The model doesn't speak, allowing the outfit to take center stage and not him or herself. The model struts, strides, or sashays confidently and pauses for a more detailed display of the masterful workmanship.

All worldly models whether they are singers, performers, dancers, skaters, athletes,

poets, politicians, preachers, members, leaders, teachers, mothers, fathers, siblings, drags, and more, compete for one reason. They pause and pose to showcase themselves. Self is enthroned and God is dethroned. Every time we "pause" to pose, what are the details that the world is seeing? What is God observing in us...about us?

Christians are always on the runway. They are on universal display where their ambassadorship for Christ places them in the limelight all the time.

"... for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men."

1 Corinthians 4:9

Everything about them from head to toe reveals if God's Law is centerstage in their lives... if Christ's character is being reproduced perfectly or if our characters are competing for supremacy. Is self king or queen or is God sovereign?

For a fashion model, the focus is always on the "dress" ... the outfit. Ellen White, a very wise Christian pioneer and popular author, once warned in Counsel, *"The dress is the index of the character." When I was younger, I wondered what that meant. As I grew older I became more mature in my understanding. For a Christian, the focus is always on the power of the law in the heart. Dress is a strong indicator that God's Law is center stage, in the heart and life because of Christ,... or not.

God's Law is the transcript of His character and His fair and loving governance. It is the revealer of His Majesty and His Holiness. It is the lighthouse of His love. It is the greatest liberator from sinful habits and bondage of this ilk! Psalms 119:45. It is the great judge of sincerity. Ecclesiastes 12: 13,14. It is the "honeycomb" and hallmark of our Christian growth in Christ, our fearless leader:

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Psalms 19:7-11.

In keeping all of the law in love, by grace, we tell the world we are 100 % on Heaven's side.

This upcoming week, let's keep in mind that God's people are always a spectacle to the world. We are a perpetual display of His Law of righteousness. Is it center stage in your heart and mine? The only way this will be true is if Christ is first center stage in our daily lives. Then the verse "Christ in you the hope of glory" Colossians 1:27 will take on a new meaning:

Christ in me is law and love,

Christ in my outward appearance is also law and love.

His beauty trumps mine;

His Glory is paramount...

His Law is My will

His Will is LAW.

Christ within us always reflects outwardly and shines like the sun when it is authentic. Have a truly blessed day and a Happy Sabbath!

Song to Encourage: I Will Delight In The Law of The LORD

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