A Reflection of Jesus

How do we bring glory to God? The Bible's short answer is: by growing more and more like Jesus Christ.  Sinclair B. Ferguson

Have you ever thought about how Jesus would see us?  I was thinking about how Jesus lived His life on earth for the short time He was here.  Jesus was the definition of empathy for others.  He loved and cared about God’s people.  That was His sole focus.  He loved the unlovely and those everyone else forgot. 

So, how do we go from the way we are in our sin to a reflection of Jesus?  Maybe the best place to start would be to put ourselves last.  Can you picture that?  It would mean being last in line, putting other’s feelings first above ours, treating others with kindness and humility, forgiving others even when they hurt us, being longsuffering when we don’t feel like it.  

Then there is the whole meek thing.  Too many times I think we are confused about the definition of meekness.  We think that meekness is synonymous with weakness and the world teaches us that we need to be strong in the presence of others.  Meekness is about our behavior toward others and using God’s strength instead of our own. Think about having God’s strength in our meekness. 

   

Biblical meekness is not weakness but rather refers to exercising God's strength under His control – i.e. demonstrating power without undue harshness. [The English term "meek" often lacks this blend – i.e. of gentleness (reserve) and strength.]

So if we look at meekness from a Godly perspective it is a combination of gentleness and strength.  If we are going to reflect Jesus we will need to spend time working on us. 

What is Jesus seeing in you today?  Is it a reflection of who He is or is it a reflection of a messed up world?   

   

Prayer for the Day: Heavenly Father, I need to work on me.  I want the world to see a reflection of Jesus and the only way that will happen is for me to become more like Him.  The guidelines are all listed in the Manual.  My bad behavior won’t change overnight and will not be instant.  It will take perseverance, dedication and a sincere desire to be better in a fallen world so that other’s will see Jesus reflected in me.  Give me the strength to pursue these qualities daily.

      

Scripture: If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.  For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4

Character of the New Man

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.  Colossians 3:12-17