There is a stunning announcement from John in our scripture today. “As He is, so are we in this world.” When my eyes fell on those words, I instantly felt unworthy. I began to think back over my life since accepting Christ at eighteen years old. That is forty-eight years of living after Jesus came into my life! I know there were times I failed this directive. That grieves me.
But, there it is. That is our individual mandate for the place we stand today. When we accept Christ as our beloved Savior we are accepting who He is and taking His reputation as our own. We are to take on His principles and morality. We have become representatives of all that He is before a fallen world.
Sadly, there are those who have never looked inside the Holy Bible. The desire or even curiosity is not there to cause them to seek or go deep in the word for themselves. The believer is here to be the living examples of the pages of that great book.
A characteristic of human nature is to take notice when you see someone with a new hairstyle, new jacket or other wearing apparel that looks particularly good, perhaps a new fragrance… Don’t we want to know, “Where did you get that?” That causes an increase in the sale of those items. My intention is not to cheapen what Christ in us is. He is far greater than any fad! Absolutely no comparison! However, people are visually geared. They need to see what something looks like, tastes like, smells like before they buy it.
We have even a greater responsibility to cause an interest in this man called Jesus. We do that with our words, our actions, our love, our compassion. People observing us from afar should have a curiosity. What is it that empowers this persons actions? What is it that brings assurance of victory even in the midst of sorrow and trials? What is it that covers distress with a smile? What is it that they have found that brings such peace? What is it that makes them want to share with me this one called Jesus? Why is it that they are confident that there will be life after death? How do I have that peace? The desire to have what they see in you then begins their own journey to Jesus.
As representatives in the likeness of Christ we should inspire a desire in strangers to seek Jesus, to want to learn more about Him. We should be molded in His likeness and with boldness go out spreading the good news. Christ saves the fallen with grace and mercy. He loves you and desires a personal relationship with you!
The question for all of us is, “What do people see when they look at me?” Do they see the likeness of Christ or just another face in the crowd?
Scripture For Today:
1 John 4:17
17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. (NKJV)
Prayer For Today:
Hello Father! We are made aware of the importance of being like Jesus. All that we do today is influencing someone in some way. Father, we pray for your guidance, strength and boldness to be like your Son where you have placed us. We ask for steadfastness to continue day-to-day to be like Jesus walking. Forgive us when we fail and empower us to do better each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
A lot to think about. Makes so much sense yet we often forget to exemplify Him in the way we live.
Isn’t it humbling to think that we could be considered to walk as His representative in this world.?