“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
Last week my kids were attending their youth group and I ran into the church for a quick minute. The doors to the worship center were open and we could see the teens worshipping but then my eye caught someone else. One of the volunteers, instead of choosing the fun job of worshipping alongside the kids, was worshipping on his hands and knees scrubbing the garbage can as well as the surrounding area. I know this volunteer some and so I commented as I walked past, “Way to serve.”
His humble reply was, “It’s Jesus.”
So, I paused for a minute before answering, “Well, Jesus looks really good on you.”
His equally humble response? A big grin accompanying the words, “I like that.”
Three simple words from him, a 30-second conversation between the two of us – but its impact has stuck with me seven days later.
I pray daily that when people see me, they see Jesus. In the way I respond verbally and nonverbally, in the way I dress, walk, act and all decisions I make. Some days are easier than others and they might get a glimpse of Him. Other days I fail miserably. The days I fail? Those are the days I need to ask for His strength so Jesus is seen more, because those are the days others will be watching more closely.
I want to be Jesus’ hands and feet to others around me. I need to start with my immediate family, then stretch to my extended family, then to friends, acquaintances, strangers – you get the idea. I want to reflect Jesus so much that it becomes second nature. I want others to see a difference in me, and even if they don’t know what’s different, for it to make enough of an impact that it starts a conversation. Like the volunteer on Sunday night who was on his hands in knees scrubbing a garbage can and the surrounding area while the teens were worshipping, lifting their hands, five feet away.
I want someone, someday, to say, “Jesus looks good on you” when they have an encounter with me. Someday…
© Cheri Swalwell 2017