Steve’s Blog

Sorry Guys . . . this one’s going to hurt . . .

What do people see when they see you?
• Do they see someone who is impatient?
• Do they see an angry person who’s “had a bad day?”
• Do they see a person who is trying to get ahead in this life so bad that  they will harm other people in the process?
• Do they see a mean hearted person that says unkind things?
• Do they see a parent that’s about to lose it?
• Do they see a person with no self control over their weaknesses?
• Do they see someone that is deceiving their family and friends?
• Do they see a person who is so self absorbed that every conversation is turned back to them and their own issues?
• Do they see a person who seems to always break the rules . . . to their own advantage?

Now, I am speaking to people who call themselves Christians, Christ followers.  People who have submitted their hearts to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  People who have committed their lives to follow Jesus and represent Him to this world.  People who have said that God matters and what they do to represent Him matters.  In other words . . . you . . . and me.

(I told you this was going to hurt.)

Here’s the question again:  What do people see when they see you?  Do they see you . . . or Jesus?

John the apostle, says:
“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth.”
Paul said:
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.”

The point here is not to make us all feel bad because we’re human and we fail to live up to what we know is right.  The point is to remind us that PEOPLE ARE WATCHING!  People see us.

Maybe we could ask God for help.  Maybe we could ask Him for the ability to see how others perceive us when we are acting up and being selfish.  How about asking God for a little bit of discernment to be able to see ourselves through other’s eyes.

Maybe we don’t ask because we 
might not like what we see . . .

 . . . when we see ourselves through the sight of another person.

It can change you know.  We can change.  Not in our own determination and strength.  But in God’s strength and with His support.  You see, He changes us from the inside.  He gives us a perspective that we don’t have in ourselves.  I want to see the world through Jesus’ eyes.  I want to see people in the way He saw them . . . enough to die for them.  He made the first move by sending Jesus to die for us before we even knew Him.  That’s love . . . real love!

So . . . here’s the question again:  What do people see when they see you?  I hope they see a loving, good, forgiving, gracious, kind-hearted and generous person.  Because, that’s how God is.  His kindness leads us to repentance.  His goodness can be trusted.  Let’s let the world see Jesus in us!

Jesus said:
“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Love You Guys,
Steve