If we believed that Jesus did what He thinks He did, then we wouldn’t cover up—we’d dance about like crazy in the light of what’s true. And perhaps our greatest, most-fun thing to do would be to help everyone see what we see: ourselves and others in the true light of what Jesus did. We’d see His glory.
If we do not choose to know people as Christ has identified them through what He did at the cross and resurrection—yes, it’s invisible, but no less real—then we are crippled and see poorly. Conversely, if we see them as He has made them by His actions, we are made strong through faith because we see clearly.
Feeling feeble lately? Consider what’s captured your effort and view: masks and camouflage, or the cross and resurrection. One is false, one is true. One confuses and produces weariness, while the other enlightens and invigorates.
"So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:16-21)
Posts
Georgiana Craven Salter I needed this...
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it helped you, Georgiana.
ReplyDeleteCan't dance like that, but I can still dance! Thanks Ralph!
ReplyDeleteI danced, made a fool out of myself in my own eyes because God told me it would bless others ~ I heard it many times but couldn't care less..
ReplyDeleteA dear friend once complimented me, and I recently shared this at his memorial service:
"I was telling somebody at work how free you are in Christ. I was at home trying on ten different shirts before church one week, trying to look just right. I get to church, see Roy (an elder) shake hands with him, then go in the bathroom & I'm all upset because my hair is out of place. You (me) come strolling in looking like a slob in a Mets tee-shirt & gym shorts, walk up to Roy with a smile on your face & give him a big hug."
Well, I just said "Gee, thanks." & laughed because it was true & I didn't care..
I wasn't there to look like a slob or impress either, I was there to worship God & that meant dancing ~ and sweating. So, I was going to be comfortable..
Do i pass the test? ;)
Michael, YES! You pass.
ReplyDeleteI've heard many people say that and can empathize. I was raised in a Pentcostal church ... my parents were ministers, so raising hands in worship was common practice. Many who were raised in other denominational churches would get kicked out of their church if they raised their hands to worship God ... ha! pathetic, but true! I'm so happy for the freedom the Holy Spirit gives us when we realize who we are in Him! Free at last, free ast last ... thank God almighty we are free at last!!! Dance, sing at the top of your lungs, run and jump and roll in the floor if ya' want to ... God doesn't mind!!
ReplyDelete