. . . that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.—Philemon 6 (NKJV)

Today, I’m painting the little library my daughter and son-in-law built for our yard and, ultimately, for the neighborhood. I can’t wait for neighbors to come by and take a book or leave a book. 

I want the structure to complement our historic home, so I’m adding a few touches to its styling—some Victorian trim, a cedar-shake roof, and colors that match our house. I’ll set it up near the rosebushes bordering my quiet lane. With every brushstroke, I’m contemplating which titles to place on the shelves. I have more than enough to fill it. 

This wonderful gift, so well-chosen for a lover of the printed word, houses a responsibility along with the books I’ll place inside. Every title and word will need to balance with my ethics, or better still, my faith. Will this cheery yellow structure see a lot of activity? I hope so. It all depends on how its visitors view the treasures found inside. 

This little library mirrors the way I want to project my faith. Matthew 12:35a (NIV) says it well. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him. Do the words I say reflect grace? Does my lifestyle? Am I able to share my treasure—Christ in me—in a manner that makes others crave Him for themselves? 

Like my library, I want to be always open and share all I have. After all, Jesus in me may be the only Bible some people ever read.