Guest Post by Richard Rogers. Richard writes daily posts via his Facebook page. Follow him on Facebook here.
For Christians of all ages, I think it is important that we periodically take a look at the man, woman, or child in the mirror. Some honest self-examination of our hearts and lives is essential if we are to grow and mature spiritually. We live in a world where followers of Christ are under intense scrutiny, and we should want to be sure that the way we live our lives truly reflects the love for Jesus Christ and our neighbors that we profess as Christians. Like it or not, we are all role models! We set examples, good or bad, for those around us. Even though we often fail each other and our gracious Lord, we are called to be beacons for Jesus. As such, we should seek to portray the love and the likeness of Christ to others in all that we say, think, and do. Jesus instructed us to: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
As modern day disciples, Christians are the representatives of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, here on earth. Our calling and our desire to witness for Him is defeated if we don’t take our roles seriously and fail to accurately show the world the only genuine picture of Christ that they may ever see. Do our lives reflect the love, the grace, the humility, the compassion, and the genuine goodness that were the hallmarks of Jesus life and ministry as both God and man among us? We need to inspect our hearts regularly because therein lies what is going to determine what kind of example that we set for others. Then too, we need to make a determined effort to work with the indwelling Holy Spirit to correct any inner flaws or sinfulness that obstructs our relationship to God and damage our witness for Him. Remember: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
We have an awesome responsibility as Christians to be positive role models and good examples for all to see. Our mission is, not only to live in a manner that is pleasing to God, but to craft a Christ-centered lifestyle that will attract others to Jesus and shine the light of His love into the darkness of a world constantly being deceived and tempted by a most formidable foe, Satan. As a Christian, I want to live my life where my words of trust, love, praise, and gratitude to God are matched by my actions. And for any little thing that I can contribute to the building of the Kingdom of God I want to give all the honor and glory to the Lord who uses me by applying His infinite strength to cover my glaring weaknesses. As the Lord told the Apostle Paul: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Let’s seek God’s guidance that we might be able to set a better example for others to see, especially our children who are the future of a nation that seems to be slipping away from God. As the beloved hymn “Let Others See Jesus in You” states, “Your life is a book before their eyes”, and goes on to ask, “Do others see Jesus in you?” Living the Christian life is a daunting task, but we should live in such a manner that non-believers will look us in the eye and say, “I want what you have! I want Christ in my life!” Join me as I look in the mirror and make sure that what I see is someone who is steadily growing in the likeness of Christ. Paul’s words are a guide those of us who seek to be Christ-like examples for others to see. The great apostle said: “in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.” (Titus 2:7-8)
