You Mean Me?

Have you ever wondered what Jesus looks like? What do you think He looks like?

This was the opening question to the message this past Sunday.  My mind went back to pictures in Bible story books and such.  As I drifted in and out of what was being said with mental images of a man with long, brown hair going through my head, I heard the pastor say, “He looks like you…me…us”.  As followers of Jesus, we put off the old self and are transformed to become like Him.  We take on his characteristics and become Jesus to others.  He went on to talk about the holiness of Jesus.  Webster defines holiness as “exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness”.  To be holy is to be different from the world so that others recognize the difference and want what is missing in their lives.  Being a good example to others because we may be the only Jesus they come in contact with.  

The excuse of being a sinner is often overused in many offenses.  In Romans Paul says where there is sin that grace is greater.  Even we as Christians are our own worst enemy and we take advantage of the grace as the basis of the excuse to continue in the same sin.  I fully agree that we are sinners, but where there has been conviction and repentance, “the sin” should become more difficult to embrace and hopefully avoided.  Can we be perfect? Absolutely not…but to use the above excuse to not strive for Christ’s perfection is amiss.  We have to strive to be more holy, more like Jesus.

So if we take on his characteristics, what exactly should others see in us in our day to day lives?  The fruit of the Spirit reveals 9 characteristics we have probably all heard.  I researched some other traits that include:

Forgiving others, even for insignificant things and not being resentful. Ignoring wrongs so relationships can be healed.

Humility- admitting that God is responsible for our achievements.  Not thinking we are “all that”.  There is always someone that is better than us in any given situation, no matter what our title is.  Submission and serving others, not thinking everyone should serve us. 

Honesty & truthfulness- Doing what is right and being straight forward with others. 

Obedience- submitting to do what God requires of us.

Reverence- recognizing and respecting people, not just because of their position but because they are our brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Avoiding Anger- knowing its destructive force and striving to maintain serenity

Being a good example- We have to live out what we believe.  Literally “be” Jesus to others.

Communication- Be willing to share thoughts, feelings, and actions in a kind manner that reflects Christ.  This works in conjunction with being straightforward. One thing is for sure…no situation will get better without communication of the concern.

Being discreet- not bullying people with personality types or actions, or even with sound and right opinions.  Yet being genuinely respectful in what we say and do. 

Being Decisive- sticking to right and just decisions, based on God’s perfect will.  Letting our “yesses” be yes and our “nos” be no and not letting the presence of other people or situations cause us to waiver.

Integrity- this allows us to keep our word and do our best even when no one else is looking.  

Boy have I got some work to do!  I enjoyed reading through the list I found because they were all applicable to interacting with others on a daily basis.  I am guilty of only being aware of the traits when I am at church, in Bible Study and when I am about God’s business.  They seem to go out the door any other time and I feel I can act and treat people however I choose.  This was a good reminder to me.  Thanks for reading! Go be Jesus to someone today!