Looking at the world around me and looking at myself, being as honest and objective as I can, I have deep concerns about the message of Jesus and His life and have to ask myself some questions: does my life look anything like His? Do my words sound anything like His message? Hard questions and not easy to answer in light of the Scriptures if I take my “mask” off.
I decided to take a look at some of the things Jesus said about
Himself first to see if any of those descriptions fit me . . .gentle . . . humble . . . serving others . . . growing in “wisdom” . . . being a light to the world around me . . . I really am afraid that these are not the first words that come to mind when I try to describe myself. How would these characteristics look if I lived them out?
Next, I took a look at some of the things He did on a pretty regular basis to see if any of those things were on my “to do” list.
Do I reach out to those others considered to be “untouchable,” not acceptable by “my crowd” – or do I eat with those others view as “sinners” – or do I invite people to a meal who I know can not pay me back – or do I show special treatment to those I “approve of” because of their lifestyle choices or because they are the “right” class or color or come from the “right” place?
Hard questions that will require some time in the prayer closet listening for God to reveal His Truth to me about who I am and how I need to let Him be the Potter while I am the clay in His hands receiving His Grace each day as I grow to be conformed to the image of His Son [And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren Romans 8:28-29].
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Jeanne
Jeanne H Barnett's Blog 