SCRIPTURE:
13 A group of Jews was traveling from town to town casting out evil spirits. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus in their incantation, saying, “I command you in the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, to come out!” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. 15 But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?”
Acts 19:13, 14
OBSERVATION:
Recently I’ve ran into a number of old school mates. Each and every time these mini reunions start with “what are you doing now?” And each and every time my answer seems to shock.Yes, I work for a church.The back and forth is usually centered around the fact that they never in their wildest dreams would picture me doing ministry, music probably, but never music ministry.While I never take offense to these observations, I do wonder at times if I was really that bad, or more so, do I not reflect the image and of Jesus in my life and actions now?
I wonder if when people see me do they see that I’m a part of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.Or do they see just another guy trying to live.
These “Some Jews” were out and about professing the name of Jesus, calling for healing in the demon possessed. How intimately they knew Him comes into to question though when the demon calls them out, “I know Jesus and I know Paul, but who the hell are you?”
Am I in the same boat?Claim the name of Jesus, yet nothing about me is recognizable in terms of being in His image and His likeness?
I’ve been good at saying the right things and accomplishing the right tasks, but does the enemy recognize me as a prized warrior for the Kingdom?
APPLICATION:
How do I align my actions to account for my acceptance as a follower of Jesus Christ?
- Actions speak louder than words.I can hear the word of God and journal on my observation and application, but to take those words of the page and actually apply them to my life in real ways is what will truly bring about and transformation of heart, mind and spirit.
- Continue to grow in my relationship with Jesus.Yes, obvious and cliché, but the reality is as I spend more time with Jesus, converse with him through prayer, lean on Him for understanding, call on Him in times of uncertainty, trust him in all things, then it’s not my concern whether people see Jesus in me or not.Which lead to…
- I can’t concern myself with how people view me, but concentrate on how close I am to Jesus.I need to put my focus on Jesus instead of worrying about how people see me or what people think of me. When I’m close to Him He will see fit to use me as a vessel to present Himself and will reveal Himself in me.
PRAYER:
Jesus, continue to re-mint me into Your image that I may be a true and genuine ambassador of You.Clean my heart, transform my mine, guide my steps. Amen
