Living Like Jesus

Ok, ok, I confess. I have a problem. I like to “look” like I know what I’m doing. Even if I don’t know what I’m doing, I like to “look like I do”. Know what I mean?

A good friend said to me, “who is that serving?” I paused, puzzled at first. Then it leaked in, all slow and gentle. So like the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes it hits like fire. Sometimes it’s a slow leak. No matter, I knew the answer.

My desire to look like I know what I’m doing? That is all about me. Ouch!

See, I think we all want to be perceived as successful or good enough. That’s the motto of our society today. Winners are the best. Losers look like fools.

Even commercials on TV serve whom? Winners, because winners need to have more stuff to…look like winners.

Who wants to look a fool?!

Apparently Paul. He wrote to an angsty church in Corinth: “I don’t look forward to a second humiliation by God among you, compounded by hot tears over that crowd that keeps sinning over and over in the same old ways” (The Message).

See in Corinth, Greek culture is for winners. Think Olympics. Gold medals.

So when this guy comes around declaring how foolish he is, and them as well; “well, now wait a minute.”

God’s economy is upside down. What appears foolish to the world is actually the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 3)

Consider these.

• Loving enemies. “Hey, that can get you killed!”
• Healing people. “Hey, I might catch their disease.”
• Giving generously. “Hey, people might try to take my stuff or steal from me.”
• Welcoming the stranger. “Hey, that’s super uncomfortable. They’re different than me.”
• Forgiving others. “Hey, they hurt me. I deserve to be mad.”

These look foolish to those who don’t get it. What I know for sure is my ego will not naturally do these things.

It takes something bigger to live these out. That’s why Jesus came. He shows us a new way to be; empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Reflect

• In what ways are you concerned about how other’s perceive you? (being seen as successful or important, as a good mom or dad, the best coach, the best PTO president, etc. )
• In your context (job, home, church, leadership), considering the above, who are you really serving?
• Which of the situations on the list seem challenging, or difficult, for you? (Ask yourself why. Curiosity is a great way to invite God into the conversation!)
• How could you ask God to help you navigate that? What are some tools available to you?
• In what way can this new perspective help you to continue “growing up” in Christ?

Encouragement

Remember this! God loves you unconditionally. That means on your best day, and on your worst day. Be encouraged! The fact that you are reading today shows that you are seeking after God. We all have things we need to keep working on; together, we can help one another along the way in prayer, in bible study, and all the ordinary places of life too.

Peace be with you.