Known For What?

We may be known for many things. People may categorize us according to certain mannerisms, abilities, the work we do, to whom we are related, or many other things associated with our life. We may even appear differently to different people.

I love being involved in ministry because it brings me into contact with people in various situations for a variety of reasons. I also love other ways in which I connect with people in our community. One of those is through music. Playing my violin and singing with guitar at a local assisted living facility provides an opportunity to share one of my talents with people who enjoy music. It is nice to hear and I am encouraged by their compliments and eagerness for me to return. To me, those little personal concerts are more relaxed and are marked by a little less pressure than when I am playing with our community orchestra. I appreciate the kind comments about my music. However, not long ago my wife told me that one of the residents who enjoys the music remarked, "But your husband is a man of God." Now, to truly be known as such is a high compliment. May God help me to truly be one at all times.

It is a very good thing for people to note us as people of God. It is to the glory of God that such a characteristic is evident in our life. Let us pray and seek for it to be so!

A couple days ago I encountered a man as I walked downtown, and in the course of our conversation he said, "You're a man of the cross, aren't you." His words were an acknowledgement of my involvement in ministry. A man OF THE CROSS! That got me thinking about the Apostle Paul. He was truly a man OF THE CROSS. Not that Paul worshiped THE CROSS, but he knew and appreciated both the present and eternal benefit that was his because of THE CROSS. Therefore, at the center of his life and teaching was a focus on THE CROSS! This is well illustrated by the following three passages in Paul's writing.

To the Galatians Paul wrote. . .
"(14) But far be it from me to BOAST EXCEPT IN THE CROSS OR OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." ( Galatians 6:14 ESV)

Though there was a time when Paul boasted of his rich heritage as a Jew, that was no longer of significance to him. There was no room to boast in himself. His only boast was in the power of THE CROSS of Christ and the grace and mercy that were his because of it.

In his first letter to Corinth we read. . .
"(1) And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. (2) For I DECIDED TO KNOW NOTHING AMONG YOU EXCEPT JESUS CHRIST AND HIM CRUCIFIED." ( 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 ESV)

Paul did not want the attention on himself. He wanted the Corinthians to focus on Jesus and what He accomplished on THE CROSS. That was at the core of Paul's teaching because it was at the center of the Gospel of Christ. (note 1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

And again, in the Galatian letter. . .
"(20) I HAVE BEEN CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST. It is no longer I who live, but CHRIST who LIVES IN ME. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." ( Galatians 2:20 ESV)

Having died to self -- being crucified with Christ -- Christ had become his new life identity. Yes, Paul was a MAN OF THE CROSS!

Is THE CROSS central to our life as well? Do we appreciate the fullness of the blessing that is ours because of what Jesus accomplished on it? Do we genuinely desire for others to come to know that blessing as well? May we take up our cross daily and follow Jesus ( Luke 9:23) recognizing the great blessing that is ours because of THE CROSS!

Have a great day LIVING CLOSELY IDENTIFIED WITH CHRIST!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Character