A sweet friend of mine commented on a photograph of myself that I recently posted on Facebook. She said, "...you radiate Jesus through your eyes, your face, your smile." When I read her comment, I was so honored and immediately grateful because this has been my goal my entire life...to always allow others to SEE Jesus in me. The Bible tells us that we carry Jesus with us wherever we go. As Christians, that's a huge responsibility!
When I was a child, I remember hearing the pastor of a small town church we were attending say, "you may be the only Bible someone ever reads." That comment has impacted my life for many years. It has reminded me that no matter what circumstances I'm going through, I need to always represent Christ in a respectful and positive manner. That means even when I'm dealing with pain or difficulty, I need to always be mindful that others are watching me. It isn't always easy to be a representative for Christ but, when I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior, I took on that responsibility joyfully.
I will admit that struggling through Cancer has been extremely difficult but even so, I want others to see Christ shining through my life. I can make sure this happens by controlling my attitude, my response to pain, by sharing the reality of what I'm going through without causing someone else to feel overwhelmed or discouraged. Christ followers should always live a life filled with hope and joy because we are hidden in Him. Others are not to ever really even see us...they are to see Him! If I represent Christ properly in my life, I am invisible! People will look past me and only see Him. That is my desire.
Hopefully I have been able to explain this clearly to you today. While I was touched deeply by my friend's comment that I was radiating Christ, I'd prefer not to even be seen or noticed at all. But since I am a body with skin on, people can't help but "see" me. I pray I will always remember that people are watching. They're waiting to see how I respond to circumstances in my life. Will I pass the test of being Christ's representative or will I fail miserably? Hopefully I will be very careful to let Christ emanate from my very pores. Hiding behind the cross, I can't help but allow Christ to be seen first, now can I? What about you? Do you radiate His love? Can others see Him before they see you? I hope they can! What an honor to carry around the body of Christ inside of us! Remember your actions speak louder than your words, so let them speak well of you.
©Bonnie Annis all rights reserved
©Bonnie Annis all rights reserved
Colossians 3:3 Amplified Bible (AMP)
3 For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God.
2 Corinthians 4:10Amplified Bible (AMP)
10 Always carrying about in the body the liability and exposure to the same putting to death that the Lord Jesus suffered, so that the [[a]resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown forth by and in our bodies.
Psalm 34:5Amplified Bible (AMP)
5 They looked to Him and were radiant; their faces shall never blush for shame or be confused.
