Friday, January 13, 2012

How do you look different?

How do you look different?  Are you shining?


We as Christ followers are to look nothing like the world. This means in all aspects(speech, action, thought, etc.).  I am blessed to say that in my life I have countless pure examples of what is means to be in the world, but not of it... I am not saying I am surrounded by perfect people, but I am saying people who have submitted their lives to a daily walk with Jesus, allowing Him to change their human flesh into the likeness of Himself.  Their desire is to reflect God's love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, peace and presence, ultimately being God's hands, feet and heart in this earth.
   
Just as I quickly as I can see genuine relationships with Jesus, I see countless brothers and sisters who are selling their inheritance and spirit-changing journey for the temporary satisfaction of their flesh.  They claim to be identified with Jesus, having received His sacrifice, only to live the life-changing journey when it fits into their timeframe, or when broken moments open their eyes to see they have strayed from a righteous path. There are only moments instead of a lifetime, where they reflect the light that was designed to shine forth within them into eternity.


How will this world know the difference?  Will they know through your life or not?


2 Corinthians 5:20 says... We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 


WOW, what an incredible honor and responsibility... God actually desires to use US and TRUSTS  US to carry Him to this world...  If God were to show up in your life would He be able to identify you as set apart or would you just blend into the mix of this world?  Even better if God were to take over your body for a day, would your friends and the people you associate with even recognize you? 


1 John 1:5  This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 


Ephesians 5:8  For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light...
 

Acts 13:47 states, For this is what the Lord has commanded us:  "I have made you a light for the Gentiles or (to those who do not know me), that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth." 






Finally I will leave you with this thought..




Proverbs 27:19  As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.


If you identify your life with the life of Jesus Christ, I pray that you take is seriously and portray a true, genuine reflection of who He is and who He would be if he were walking in this earth today.  Your life must look different, than those who do not know Jesus.