Emulating Jesus in a Dark World预览

Expressing the Characteristics of Jesus

Now, we will look at how we can emulate Christ through expression.

Expression is the process of making known one's thoughts or feelings. It is also the look on one's face or body language that conveys a particular emotion. How can we best express the characteristics of Christ? We can do so by emulating Him in sharing the Truth of Who He is with others. We must share God's Word. It does not fully benefit us if we take in God's Word, yet we do not also share it with others. It was meant to be shared. We are to know Him and "make Him known." (1 Chron. 16:8, Psalm 145:12, 1 Cor. 8:3)

A true disciple of Jesus moves in His direction and is always drawn to walk His narrow path for him/her. The Apostle and Mentor Paul told his mentee Timothy, "Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress" (1 Tim. 4:15 ESV). Paul desired to be like Jesus from the inside out. He also understood and acted on his assignment of God: to walk intimately with God and to make Him known to others. Jesus's leadership was marked by Truth; therefore, so should ours be as His disciples. (John 17:17)

Did you know that just the look on your face and/or body language can make or break whether someone is drawn to the Master? I've heard it asked, "Could you tell your face that you have the joy of Christ because I don't see it right now?" That is quite a blow when you represent the Lord Himself by being His disciple. It is something to ponder and be on continual guard of. Exude His joy! No matter the circumstances, there is always something to praise God for and thank Him for.

To be most effective for the kingdom, time spent with Christ should always outwardly manifest itself in the life of every believer. Expression is 100% necessary.

Years ago, a British Criketer and Missionary to China, Charles (C.T.) Studd wrote in a poem: "Only one life, 'twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last."

Think about your senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. Use them all to bless someone and express God today! How can you do, say, or show something lasting for someone in the days ahead that emulates Jesus?

One morning quite some time ago, I had been spending some real quality time with God in the mornings and had been on the regular. I went to the grocery store with the things of God in my heart and mind. When I walked into the store, I noticed a few people looking at me with a strange bewilderment. It was as if they wondered something about me. I wondered if I had something weird hanging off of me or even a booger hanging out of my nose. One kind older gentleman had the courage that morning to come up to me and state, "You have the sweetest spirit about you; I see it all over your face!" I was stunned. I just said, "Thank you so much! You must be seeing God coming out right now!" He agreed. The Lord randomly connected spirit to spirit amongst His people, which was beautiful. I will never forget that. God showed me that day the importance of that time with Him that radiates out of me when I give Him what He's due, and I saw the effect it was having on others.