A number of times over the course of several months I met up with a young man in our elevator going and coming from our condo building. He was in his mid-thirties. I had always sensed something different about him! It later proved right! He and his wife (a kindergarten teacher) were fervent followers of Jesus and deeply involved in the youth program at their local church.
There were no neon signs. No t-shirts to say, “I’m a Jesus follower.” He had no badge or arm bracelet. No tattoos! And he wasn’t carrying a Bible. It was just “a presence.” The Bible refers to us as mirrors of God’s glory reflecting His divine character to others (II Cor. 3:18). As “…Living epistles, known and read of all men.” (II Cor. 3:1-3)
I sent that young brother an email to commend him for his testimony and to thank him for being “the real deal.”
Some believers in Jesus seem to think they are in the Secret Service! Some kind of undercover agents for Jesus! They cower around as reluctant followers not too keen on displaying their ID.
Jesus made it clear. “Everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in Heaven. (Matthew 10:33).” God maintained that same stance throughout the history of Israel. He does not force Himself on anyone. Today Jesus looks for willing, full-out, no-holds-barred followers through whom He can love, work, shine, and minister to the needs of others.
Listen to these powerful words of Paul in II Corinthians 2:14-17. “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life …like men sent from God.”
Are we exuding the aroma of Christ? Or are we just some vague representation of the real thing? God is looking for people who will gladly rid themselves of any counterfeit identity and take on the full, undistorted reflection of Jesus to others. A lost, skeptical, and hurting world is watching – and waiting.
Be blessed my friend.
Glen (Pitts)
The Barnabas Group / Loads of Love
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