Our Snapshot!

Many people look at pictures of themselves and declare, “That’s not me!” Perhaps the picture people complain about most is the one on their driver’s license. Sometimes those pictures look more like a criminal mug-shot than the PORTRAIT we would prefer. Nevertheless, how do others see us? What is the PICTURE we leave in their minds? When we are considered, what is the PORTRAIT that comes into focus?

Someone has said, “Reputation is your photograph; character is your face.” [source: “sentence sermons”]

When people see us and recognize our face, there is a PICTURE of some kind that will come into view. The words and actions of our life can leave a lasting impression in the mind of others. What is the PORTRAIT we are leaving with them?

Peter provided a brief “snapshot” of Jesus as he spoke to Cornelius and his household.
“how God anointed JESUS of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. HE WENT ABOUT DOING GOOD and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” ( Acts 10:38 ESV)

That is perhaps the most concise commentary on the life of Jesus we have. The PORTRAIT of Jesus’ walk on earth was characterized by boldness, but also gentleness. It was also distinguished by gentleness, kindness, patience, and selfless love. At no time did Jesus ever display any deceitfulness. Jesus was Who He was, through and through. As we follow Him are we striving for our life to be lived in like manner?

Paul exhorted those at Philippi to…
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,” ( Philippians 2:5 ESV)
The New Living Translation reads, “Your ATTITUDE should be the SAME THAT CHRIST JESUS HAD.”

Though Jesus was God in the flesh, He took on the form of a servant and humbled Himself to death on a cross ( Philippians 2:6-8) in order to meet our greatest need. As we take note of the willingness of Jesus to focus on the needs of others (including ours), let our life also be characterized by the same devotion to the Will of God and a willingness to serve.

Paul went on to urge…
“(14) Do all things without grumbling or questioning, (15) THAT YOU MAY BE BLAMELESS AND INNOCENT, CHILDREN OF GOD WITHOUT BLEMISH in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you SHINE AS LIGHTS IN THE WORLD, (16) HOLDING FAST TO THE WORD OF LIFE, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” (Phil. 2:14-16 ESV)

May the PICTURE of our life be what God desires it to be. In this way Christ will be seen and God will be glorified. We can have no better PORTRAIT than that. Let us surrender to the Will of God that our life may be a PICTURE He would hang in His gallery.

Have great day DEVELOPING THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Character