After Jesus had started to preach, He came to Nazareth, where He had grown up as a child. He wanted to preach His message there, too, and Mark describes what happened.

"And when the Sabbath had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?" (Mark 6:2-3).

Jesus had lived many years in Nazareth and apparently learned his trade as a carpenter from his father (cf. Matthew 13:55). People there knew Him. When He returned to Nazareth and taught there, people remembered Him. What is interesting is what the people remembered: He was a carpenter, son of a carpenter.

They didn't remember Him as being a youthful offender or rebellious teenager or young man.

One day the people we interact with now will experience us as teachers, when we are kings and priests in the kingdom of God. They will remember us from this life. What will they remember? How will they characterize us? Will their memory be a positive one, in retrospect?

Are we aware of the potential we have to sow a positive seed in other people's lives for their calling one day? What should our example be?

Our conduct should be "honorable among the Gentiles", so they can "glorify God in the day of visitation" (when they are called) when they remember our "good works which they observe (now)" (1 Peter 2:12).

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!