Thursday, January 10, 2013

How Do People See Us??



Truly, how do people see Christians? Isn't this THE question to be asking ourselves? If I look in the face of Christ and realize that I am not reflecting Him to the world...then should I feel condemned? NO. That response is not based on grace and truth. However, if evangelism is a top priority....meaning, reproducing...making more brothers and sisters...then it is a good question we are bringing up to our Father when in prayer - then he helps us grow in this area.

 

 

Isn't reproducing what God is after? If this is so, then are we a repellent (*one that operates in the ways of the flesh) or a light that draws people to Him? (*one that operates and keeps in step with the Holy Spirit). After we become His, then the next thing we do is pass on what was passed to us. When that wonderful seed was implanted in us, then we grow and reproduce. Would it be in God's plan that He implant the seed in us, and then we  grow...but then that's it? I don't think so.

 

 

So, why did God save you?? I believe the answer is three fold. He saved you for Himself, for you, and then for those around you. He desires to create a body of people...the body of Christ. Christ was not self-centered...then of course His desire is that His body not be self-centered either.

 

 

If I am reading scripture with an open heart...with eyes to see and ears to hear...then I'll see the extreme importance of this. That God did not save me just for me, or you just for you. Now, IF you were the only person that needed redemption, then yes, He would have saved you just for you and Him.

 

 

However, it is important to God that we conduct our Christian life remembering that we are not here...as loved and saved people...just for ourselves and God. As it is God that added that 3rd element -- our neighbor/those around us.

 

 

 

How do I know this? Well, for one, it is because the command....THE command that satisfies all other commands, as well as all that the OT prophets taught and proclaimed....says to love God 1st, but then to also love our neighbor as ourselves.

 

 

And how much are we to love God? With our whole heart, and our whole soul, mind and strength. This is very explanatory...it says it all.

 

 

Oh, it is interesting too, that God says to love Him with those things we can't see...the heart, soul and mind. But then He also adds to this strength....which is something we can see. I can stand here without moving a muscle or speaking a word, and love Him with all my heart, soul and mind...but it takes movement and action to love with all one's strength, yes?

 

 

I often will commune with God by merely closing my eyes...and I'm there! Since He is Spirit, I can do this. Sure, I could begin to dance or sing with everything that is within me...and that would be using my strength. (BTW, The piece of artwork above is one I did that depicts a mother and daughter {in stained glass} worshipping together) But, God says with ALL my strength...therefore, not just in worship.

 

 

 

So, even though personally He is self-sufficient and doesn't need anything at all, then it is apparent that in God's mind a part of loving Him means loving one another. He doesn't need water, but He said that when we offer a glass of water to someone we are doing it to Him.

 

 

So, even if He hadn't added the 2nd part...which is loving our neighbors as ourselves...He would still desire we love those around us whom He also loves. Therefore, it is obviously in His very character and in how He desires love to be shown to Him, for us to be mindful and proactive. To remember that we did not become Christians just for our own sake....but, for others as well...as Christ showed us by example. 

 

 

 

Romans 15: 1"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”a 4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

 

 

5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, 6so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

 

 

7Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs." 

 

                                So, how do people see us? 

 
  

*In Galatians 5 it tells us what is of the flesh, and what is of the Spirit.* 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

3 comments:

  1. Hi Jennifer,

    Your blog is awesome and so is that painting! Thank you for stopping by my blog and following me. I'm happy to follow you back. God bless!

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  2. Wow. After reading the blog, I was thankful for the word "Amen" because I honestly could not find in my heart anything to add. You cover all angles. So I say -Amen.

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  3. Hiii Jennie. It's been a while. Please catch me at justmikemon.wordpress.com. see you there.

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