TODAY’S SIGNATURE VERSE ••• Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! (2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV)
PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• A couple of days ago, I wrote this in my prayer journal: “Help me care more about what others think of You, more than I care about what others think of me.” I’ve thought about it several times since and realize what a trap this is for believers.
This is something I struggle with a lot. Because like most people—I like praise and accolades. Who doesn’t? We all like to be told that we’re good at what we do… that the work we did was amazing, above, and beyond… that we are a wonderful friend… that the supper we cooked was incredible… we all like a little praise.
It’s a fine line we walk. What we do draws attention to us. But any achievements we enjoy are because God equips us with the skills and talents to do them! And hopefully, any work we do is done to honor and glorify God, whether we’re preparing a Bible study, working on a spreadsheet, or digging a ditch (Colossians 3:23).
When people look at me, depending on who they are, they may see me in a variety of ways or roles. Wife. Mother. Daughter. Friend. Writer. Computer nerd. Spreadsheet geek. Crazy cat lady. Coffee addict. Book-aholic. Sentimental. Plain Jane. And… Christian.
Christian. That’s the role that I want to shine above all others and in that role, if I wear it well, Christ will shine more brightly than I do.
The other day, we referred to Galatians 2:20a, which says, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” But today, let’s go to 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!”
Part of the Christian life involves a lot of self-reflection. We have to be mindful of our sins so we can confess them. And we have to carefully weigh our actions and words because of how others may see them. We go through all this self-reflection because when we wear the label “Christian,” it’s not about caring what others think of us—it’s about caring about what others think of Christ.
Jesus said, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). It’s through our actions, words, and thoughts that others meet Jesus. As the saying goes, “You may be the only Bible some people will ever read.” So we have to make sure it’s less about “me” and more about Him. We have to care more about what others think of Jesus, more than we care about what others think of us. No matter what we’re doing.
Today, as you pray, thank Jesus for being worthy of all the praise. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts, words, and actions so that any credit, by default, always points back to your Savior, Jesus Christ. Ask Him to help you want the spotlight to stay on Jesus without concern about what others think of you.
SHARING ••• Please share with others! Visit www.MyGraceFullLife.com to read past blogs. ***Unless noted otherwise, all Scripture references are from the ESV translation.
