With Christ have I been crucified, yet I am living; no longer I, but living in me is Christ. Now that which I am now living in the flesh, I am living in faith that is of the Son of God, Who loves me, and gives Himself up for me.
Galatians 2: 20, Concordant New Testament
I was notified this week of the passing of a good friend and co-worker I had not seen in a few years. My friends son pulled me aside and explained that his beloved pops had passed away. As I mourned the passing of my friend, I was also struck by something which most believers might totally overlook. See, although my friend came from a Christian family, for awhile I have been unsure of his beliefs. However, if I had only stepped aside and witnessed the way in which my friend Robert interacted with and provided for his own family, I would have caught a glimpse into the real man. Indeed, his family are left with fond memories of his time with them. My memories of Robert are of a good natured man who befriended me when most of the others at my new job were hell bent upon making my life miserable. Before he was hired, I had many more bad days at work than good ones. That all changed when I met Robert. This was the man I knew. Most Christians, not knowing if he was "saved" or not, might miss the subtle clues of his life which clearly point to who was shining through in my friends life. The good natured attitude towards others. The happy smile he most always seemed to have. His loving relationship with his own family. Is this not like the person Christ Jesus exemplified in His day? Was it not Jesus who spoke kindly to others and treated those around Him with kindness and mercy? Is this not a clear indication of the spirit inside someone? I believe it is. Jesus spoke to those on the Mount of Olives of letting our "Light shine before men" {Matthew 5:16}. That light is the reality of Christ in us. When Christ is allowed to show Himself through us, the world catches a glimpse of who it is we truly are inside.
In this was manifested the love of God among us, that God has dispatched His only-begotten Son into the world that we should be living through Him.
1 John 4: 9, Concordant New Testament
A good friend commented to me this week that he found it interesting that I knew my friend Robert more from his attitude towards others than his own declaration of faith. AMEN! For this was indeed an attribute of Christ Jesus. I do not recall a instance in scripture where Jesus aligned Himself with a particular faith or religion. Those who knew and met Jesus knew what He was about. He told all who would listen what His intentions and beliefs were. His desire was not to prop up man made religion, but to glorify the Father. For too long, we have judged Christians simply by what church they attend or what faith they adhered to. This has never been the true mark of a believer. The true mark of a believer is exemplifying the traits of the indwelling Christ. It has been said that the world will only see Jesus through the lives of those who truly know Him. I would agree with that. When our light shines for all the world to see, there can be little doubt that Christ Jesus is in us. I am proud to proclaim that I am not a Christian. No, I am a follower of Jesus. Jesus was not tied to a man-made religion. Religion will present us with requirements and traditions. I have a co-worker who is well involved in the orthodox sect of Christianity. He endures everything from required fasting to various other handed down traditions. This is not what Jesus came to uphold. When we speak of freedom in Christ Jesus, we speak to the freedom FROM the requirements and traditions of man-made religion. There is no religion which will proclaim the truth of who we truly are. We ARE Jesus.
Fear is not in love, but perfect love is casting out fear, for fear has chastening. Now he who is fearing is not perfected in love.
1 John 4: 18, Concordant New Testament
~Scott~
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