In a recent article, the author asked his predominantly Christian readers to consider how they thought they were perceived by other people. He wanted them to consider if others might notice anything different about their lives that would inspire them to wonder and ask about why they are different. This is a crucial point to consider. Am I, as a follower of Christ, noticeably different from the people around me who don’t know Him? Is there a positive difference that could prompt an opportunity to share the gospel? As a follower of Christ, what are the characteristics that distinguish me from non-followers of Christ. Do we want to be unique or do we just want to blend in? Have we worked hard to relate and be seeker-friendly to the extent that there is no difference between us as followers of Christ and non-believers?
Being a follower of Christ means being an imitator of Christ; and as imitators of Him, we will be noticeably different. The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) provides us with a template: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are all indicators of a Christ-honoring life. Such qualities are not found in our fleshly nature. They are produced by the Holy Spirit. The starting point is love and the source of love is God. We love Him because He first loved us. (I John 4:19) Loving God then leads to loving others as we love ourselves. From love flow the other fruits of the Sprit.
The Bible tells us that disciples of Jesus will be known by their love. (John 13:35) A person who is known by his love, will stand out from others in these current times of anger, hate, and divisiveness. If you read any newsfeed on any given day, you will be overwhelmed by what God calls “the deeds of the flesh” (Galatians 5:19). The deeds of the flesh directly oppose the fruit of the Spirit. The difference is striking! In our families, churches, schools, and communities, we must be the light in the darkness. We must be loving and not contentious. How else will people know?
People are looking for hope. They are looking for someone who offers hope. People everywhere are looking for a savior to get them through difficult times. Maybe that’s why comedians and entertainers are popular. They offer us a distraction for a little while. But distractions are temporary. As we walk among people every day, may we be different in a way that prompts them to ask about our Savior, the risen Christ. We must, therefore, reflect the fruit of the Spirit. We must be counter-cultural peacemakers to the degree that people want to ask questions about the hope that is in us. May we never blend in to the extent that we participate in the dark deeds of quarreling and dissention. Let’s choose patience and kindness as imitators of Christ.
In this month of love, in our daily activities and conversations, do others know we are Christians by our love?
Happy Valentine’s Day,
Elsie