Scripture: “Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.” – (20:11)
Observation: Solomon teaches that it is our actions that define us. When others see what we do, that forms their opinion of us.
Application: I am reminded of another old saying, “You can’t judge a book by its cover.” Simply put, this means that you must open the book and read it to know the story it contains. When it comes to humanity, just looking at someone doesn’t necessary define them, but their actions certainly do!
How we act in the world is how we are measured. If you identify yourself as a Christian, you should be acting quite differently than those who are not saved. If you don’t, those who see you doubt your words about your relationship with Jesus. When someone looks at a Christian and sees the world in what they do, there is no reason for that individual to pursue a relationship with Christ because they see no difference between themselves and you. Sometimes, that will give a false sense of security to the onlooker. Since they act as you do, and you’re saved, they assume they are fine and on their way to heaven. The exact opposite is true! Our testimony to others is so important! We should reflect Jesus all the time because you never know when someone is watching you for your reactions to a particular situation.
Am I a good reflection of Jesus 24/7? Sadly, no. There are times when I fail, and I must seek the Lord’s forgiveness and help to be a better image of Jesus to others, but I am reminded that I am a work in progress. When I do fail, two verses in Scripture give me hope that I can still be used of God to honor Him and be a good witness. Philippians 1:6 states, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” and 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Simply put, God forgives me; continues to work in me, and helps me become more like Jesus. It is not something I can accomplish on my own; I am God’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10), and He created me to do good works in His name and for His glory! God knows my heart and sees promise in me!
While we know that God doesn’t look on the outward appearance, but on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7), the world doesn’t have that perceptive. What they see is what they get! If a Christian’s actions align with the rest of the world, where does that leave their testimony for Jesus? Romans 8:29 states, “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” As Christians, we represent Jesus to the world, not only with our words, but with our lives as His light shines through us. Let us reflect Him well!
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me and helping me learn more about You. Thank You for working in me and transforming my life to be more aligned with Your Word. Help me to reflect You to the world, bringing You honor and glory as Your Spirit works through me. Help me decrease, and You increase in my life. In Your precious name, I pray. Amen.
More like Jesus would I be, let my Savior dwell with me;
Fill my soul with peace and love, make me gentle as a dove;
More like Jesus, while I go, pilgrim in this world below;
Poor in spirit would I be; let my Savior dwell in me.
More like Jesus when I pray, more like Jesus day by day;
May I rest me by His side, where the tranquil waters glide:
Born of Him, through grace renewed, by His love my will subdued,
Rich in faith I still would be; let my Savior dwell in me.
(from “More Like Jesus ” by Fanny Crosby)
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“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” – 2 Corinthians 3:18