Do People See Jesus in Me? - Carla D Burnette
Are you aware people may be watching you? How you respond in situations, your word choices. As Christians, we desire to live like Jesus, to reflect Him to those around us. Our lifestyle and behavior are different compared to those in the world. We pray people see Jesus in us.
Regrettably, at the grocery store, people noticed my impatience, instead of seeing Jesus in me.
The cashier said to me, “I need to move to another register.” I wanted to scream, because I dislike waiting in line. Frustrated, I snapped, “But, I have been waiting here in this line.” She remained silent, startled by my response.
I thought to myself, why did the cashier wait until she finished with the person in front of me to say something? She could have told me when I approached her line. Suddenly, I sensed the Lord instructing me not to speak another word and just let the situation go. As I backed up my cart, I prayed, “Lord, forgive me. Help me to reflect You.”
Yes, we will fail in reflecting Jesus at times, for we are not perfect. But don’t dwell on the failures. Instead, go to God. Humbly ask for His forgiveness. Pray for the Spirit’s help to reflect Jesus wherever you go and to be mindful of this calling.
The Bible tells us that we are ambassadors for Christ. An ambassador is an authorized messenger or representative. What a privilege to represent Christ everywhere we go. However, this requires awareness of opportunities He places before us.
Do you have neighbors who don’t attend church or know Jesus?
What about relatives?
How do you interact with them?
Wherever you go, there may be people who don’t know Jesus. May we not waste an opportunity to show Jesus to them. When we portray Christ, our prayer is people notice Jesus in us. Then, may they desire a right relationship with God, resulting in reconciliation.
Thankfully, the Lord stopped me before I embarrassed myself further in the grocery store line. More importantly though, I did not exemplify my Lord. I appeared upset and impatient. This does not describe Jesus, who is the exact opposite. He is merciful, self-controlled and patient.
James 1:19-20 says, “Know this my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
Before speaking, ask yourself: Do I need to say this? Will it encourage the other person?
The next day, the Lord answered my prayer to reflect Him. Fortunately for me, it did not involve waiting in line. He asked me to clear a neighbor’s yard of fallen branches from a recent storm. I obeyed and kept my focus on reflecting Him, despite the heat, humidity and sweat soaked clothes. God’s strength and compassion enabled me to complete this work of service.
Just as Jesus came to serve, He asks us to do the same and to lay down our lives for others. This may include seeing a need and fulfilling it, volunteering your time, offering encouragement, and praying for someone.
How is Jesus calling you to give of yourself to others?
Living as examples of Christ is challenging and rewarding. May we consider our words and actions, and watch for opportunities to serve. Remember, His strength and guidance empowers us to live as Christ’s ambassadors. Together with Jesus, let’s represent Him to the world!
Father, thank You for the incredible privilege You have given us to represent You everywhere we go. May Your Spirit remind us of this calling and make us aware of opportunities to reflect You. Forgive us for the times we have misrepresented You. Help us to be mindful of our words and actions. Show us how we can represent You to those around us. May people see You in us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Comment below how God is calling you to give of yourself to others and/or describe a time when people saw Jesus in you.
