Some years ago the Holy Spirit asked me “Greg, what would the Body of Christ look like if everyone’s Christian walk was like yours?” That sobering thought was the beginning of some major changes.
You’ve heard the expression “Do what I say, not what I do,” the confession of the “unbelieving believer.” For several years after Bible school, this was me—I knew the Bible, but didn’t ‘believe’ the Bible—I lived like an unbeliever. Astonishingly, for some Christians this is normal. Of course it is not—there should be no disparity between what you believe and what you do. This is what Paul means when he says: how can you who died to sin still live in it? (Rom. 6:2)… and if you have died with Christ, and your life has been hidden in Him (Col. 3:1-3), you should be able to say it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me (Gal. 2:20). You have become one with Jesus.
Jesus prayed for us to be “one,” even as He and the Father were “one.” Because of this “oneness” Jesus was able to say if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father. Doesn’t it follow then that if we are “one” with Jesus, we should be able to say ‘if you have seen me [insert your name here!], you have seen Jesus?’
Jesus’ whole life was an example for us to follow (John 13:15; 1 Peter 2:21). And with a humility that leaves us speechless, Paul boldly says: "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." (1 Cor. 11:1). I know someone is reading this, thinking “someday I will be an example, but I am not there yet.” If you think you are not yet ready to be an example, listen to these words by Paul: “Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity” (1 Tim. 4:12). Wouldn't you like people to look at you and say “I see Jesus?”
Yes, I long for that; for people to see the Jesus in me. Work was my most challenging place to live this out, but by His grace, I feel Him working in me and through in this place of my greatest pain. God has really given me love for those here, where I don't sit at my desk self righteous or isolated, but allowing Him to show through me, as imperfect as I am. Thank you, Greg!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I too found the workplace the most difficult to have this mindset. I was 'distracted' and often caught up in the office complaints and toxicity. But I did my best. One day a manager told me that I was a good example of a Christian (she was a non-believer), so at least one person may have seen Jesus in me. It is also very challenging in parent/child relationship, but the most important one.
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