Do you ever wonder what it would be like if Christ was actually walking earth today and you ran into him? When we look back to evidence in the New Testament, it appears he must have had an appeal beaming out from him that captivated those around him. How do you think it went in recruiting the disciples? It almost gives the impression he walked up, said drop your nets and follow me. Except for maybe Peter and Matthew to a degree, there is no implication there were huge debates, followed by PowerPoint presentations by Jesus showing returns on investment, and so forth working to convince each of the future disciples why they should do just that. It seems they sensed his special anointing, and felt strongly that was something they had to do. I doubt they knew at the time the scope of the decision they were making. They were making a decision that would etch them into the history of all mankind and would alsolead to their persecution. Had Jesus told them up front, “Hey follow me, but know you will ultimately be killed for it,” The number of recruits would have been sizably less. But once they understood the significance of the Spirit in the man, and that spirit was made alive in them, they realized physical, earthly death was not the end or even that big of deal. Living for Him, reflecting Him… that is!
Jesus would be doing the same if He were walking the earth today. His charisma, being so magnetic, would draw people to him. He would be where Christians today fear to trod. I believe he would be in bars and strip clubs, the casinos, the gang-infested neighborhoods, the sex-trafficking houses where young girls are sold. And I believe in each of those, within minutes of entering, all activities would cease, and there would be a number of people at his feet listening, intently and remorsefully. As always, there would be those whose hearts are hard and resist. Jesus had those even 2000 years ago, such as when the Pharisees even tried to trick Him. In Matthew 22:36-40:
36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
They failed but Jesus’ response brings three topics to light, two of them are obvious.
- Love God.
This commandment is first because it is the most important. - Love your neighbor.
The second obvious statement. - As YOURSELF!
Not so obvious! Do not forget to love yourself!
So many people have guilt, remorse, low self-esteem, etc. which gives them anxiety, depression and much more. All of this impacts their ability to love themselves. These can impact to the point of serious health issues and even suicide.
You can love God, and you can love neighbor, but not love yourself. But how much can you truly love them? Work on forgiving yourself, letting the things go that God has already forgiven you for. Pray for peace. Meditate on it daily. Hourly if needed. Truly, truly give it. Your CAN let it go. Once you do, you WILL find that peace and you will find yourself loving yourself. Then you will love your neighbor and God even more after that. Your faith in God goes up, your peace and joy will skyrocket. You will want to grow closer to Him everyday!
If your life is in order already, then praise the Lord! Keep working to become a fully developing follower of Christ.
While we can never be fully like Him, we strive to always be more like Him. And as we become more like Christ, the more others will see Him in us. Do others see Him you? When you stand in front of the mirror, do YOU see Him in you?
© 2017 Marty Hill – Administered By Quaddot Productions – All Rights Reserved