Reflecting Jesus in Our Lives

             During a recent prayer gathering, I was prompted to consider the line we’ve all probably heard many times, “If our church disappeared, would anyone notice that it was gone?”  However, I believe the Holy Spirit prompted me to consider a different perspective on that question.  “When I die, will anyone know that I was a Christian?”

            The easy answer is “yes”.  After all, I’ve taught Sunday School for over 25 years.  I lead a Bible Study in my home.  I’m the Mission Team Leader at my church.  I could keep adding to the list, but those are things that I do.  The real question is, “How do I reflect Jesus in my life?”  That’s a much harder question to answer, and it requires us to take the time to evaluate the status of our hearts.

            David said, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51: 10 NIV84). So, what does a “pure heart” and a “steadfast spirit” look like? Biblically speaking, a pure heart is morally righteous and free from sin—something we can only attain through faith and repentance.  A steadfast spirit has an unwavering faith in God.  Reflecting Jesus in our lives must begin with faith in the one who has given His life to save us.  It must also include the realization that we are sinners, completely unworthy of the Gift we have been given.  We must be willing to daily seek the forgiveness that God grants so freely when we repent and give thanks that the blood of Christ purifies us despite our failings.

            Those are the first steps, but I think the next place to start would be with the fruit of the Spirit as set out in Galatians 5: 22 - 23. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law” (NIV84).

            For myself, here are some questions that I think I need to consider for my life.

            Do I love all people, even the ones who annoy me, hurt me, or look different from me?  Do I find joy regardless of my circumstances?  Do I strive to maintain peace with everyone?  Anyone who knows me knows that patience is not one of my virtues, so that will take some work.  Am I kind to the people who serve me or to those who seek a few moments of my time?  I’ve confessed before that I don’t like interruptions, so that can be an issue.  I strive to be good and faithful, but do I always succeed?  Not by a long shot.  What about gentleness? If we don’t mention driving, I’ve probably got self-control covered. 

            My point is that I am not perfect so perhaps I need to start taking a daily evaluation to determine whether I am growing in my walk with Christ.  I don’t want to leave this life with a list of superficial accomplishments.  I want to live a life worthy of the calling I have received.  What about you?

Psalm 51: 10

Galatians 5: 22 – 23

Ephesians 4: 1

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