CAN THEY TELL YOU'VE BEEN WITH JESUS?

"They...recognized them as men who had been with Jesus."
Acts 4:13 NLT

Amy and I were having lunch with a pastor friend and his wife, we were talking about our jobs and our ministry as a pastor. Well, his wife chimed in and said "...and the way he drives is not a good impression on our business. He has signs on his truck and he always drives fast....honey you're gong to make somebody mad and they see our signs." She had a good point, and it got me thinking, Can people tell that I have been with Jesus? Can they see Him in me? Do I "represent" Him well?

Luann Prater says: "I got a company-logo license plate...now everybody can see who I work for. I was excited and proud-till somebody cut me off in traffic and I realized I can't react now without considering the impression it'll leave! If you had to wear ‘God's seal on your forehead' (See Rev 9:4), would you be nicer to the store clerk, the grumpy boss, the bratty kid? If the world could see at a glance who you are, would it alter your behavior?...When you're filled with the Holy Spirit it's as evident as having a nameplate saying you belong to Christ...I've gotten used to the nameplate now...I think before I react...consider the consequences...It no longer makes me anxious...afraid I'll discredit my company. Now people see me coming and wave...Who's reading your nameplate? Can they tell you've ‘been with Jesus?'"

Jesus laid it out clearly: "This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples" (Jn 15:8 NIV). If somebody were to videotape your life would it show you're a loving husband or wife, a good parent, a conscientious worker and a joy to be around? Author Lysa TerKeurst says: "Let's be honest, it's tough being sold out for Christ in a flesh-filled body...I must allow His teaching to seep into my heart and mind...ask Him to interrupt my natural fleshly response with truths He taught me...So if my husband forgets to do something, or my kids punch my buttons, or somebody cuts me off in traffic...causing my flesh to rear up...I can say, ‘Father...do what You want, not what I want.'"