In a world that at times feels like it is falling apart around us, what can we do? How can we impact it as Christ-followers? How can we make a difference?
Paul Is Our Example
When Paul writes these important verses, he is in prison chained to a couple of guards (Phil 1:12-18). His life has taken a rather significant turn for the worse where he finds himself in Rome away from almost all his friends and loved ones. Social distancing isn’t even close to what he was going through. Yet, he provides us some significant advice:
19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:19-20)
In this text, Paul helps us see clearly what we can do even in our own predicament.
Be Like Christ Where You Are
The very best thing you can do for your community is to be like Christ. Paul makes it clear.
“…with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body…”
In his life, he wanted to live Christ for others. He wanted to incarnate the person of Christ to those he was around. And it was working. The entire palace guard was turning to Christ. Paul chose to love Christ enough and desire to serve and glorify Him so selflessly that he loved his enemies. He lived as Christ. Christ was magnified in his body through living.
What the World Needs Right Now
As tensions rise, the world needs you to be like Christ. Jesus lived in troubled times as well. There were class problems, race problems, social problems, religious problems, and governmental problems. People failed to understand each other or even try. People assumed Jesus’ motives, made fun of His background, caused Him to suffer, and sinned against Him. Jesus did not have it easier than anyone who is alive today. Jesus loved the Samaritans. That’s huge. Jesus made sinners His friends. He served the poor and outcast. As far as those who were hated, He chose to love them. He even called some of whom the world considered the very worst to be part of his closest disciples – even giving one the privilege of writing a Gospel. Jesus saw people as people made in the image of God for whom He was committed and loved.
The world needs us to be like Jesus where we are. You do not need to know everything. Backgrounds are important but not necessary to completely get. In fact, your eyes need to see past everything and look to others’ inner man. We must see that these individuals are souls in the image of God. Every person with whom we come into contact is loved by God. Jesus died for them and offers an intimate relationship with them. Many of those we do not know but with whom we brush shoulders may already have a relationship with Jesus. We do not know since we cannot see the heart.
Whoever it is, wherever the person is at, and whatever the person is doing, that person needs someone to live Jesus in that moment.
The world around us will change if we choose to be like Jesus. For us to live…for you to live…for me to live is Christ. Jesus magnified in our living. This will make the difference.
How Can You Be Like Christ Where You Are Right Now?
In this small list, I only begin what should be a long list of ways you can become like Christ. You feel free to add your own items to this list. Drop items in the comments if you desire. Here are a few to get you started:
- Love people the way Jesus loved them
- Serve the outcast the way Jesus served them
- Help the one needing help the way Jesus helped them
- Intentionally seek to reach out the way Jesus reached out to them
- Sacrificially choose to bless others the way Jesus blessed them
- Demonstrate true compassion the way Jesus demonstrated compassion
- Speak graciously the way Jesus spoke graciously
- Spread joy the way Jesus spread joy
- Give mercy the way Jesus gave mercy
- Listen carefully the way Jesus listened carefully
- Patiently engage the way Jesus patiently engaged
- Quickly forgive the way Jesus quickly forgave
- Provide help the way Jesus provided help
- Aid the helpless the way Jesus aided the helpless
- Defend the weak the way Jesus defended the weak
- Speak up for the sinned against the way Jesus spoke up for the sinned against
- Glorify God the way Jesus glorified God
- _____________________________________________
What else will you add? There are many, many items that you can add. My list is general. Be sure to make your list specific. Add names, situations, and opportunities that you have to be like Jesus. Think hard and intentionally choose to make Jesus magnified in you.
What do those around you need? How can you incarnate Christ? What can you do to make a difference to those who contact you throughout this day?
Then do it.
For me…for you…for us to live is Christ!
May Jesus Christ be glorified in your living today ~ and in so doing, you will impact your community and make a significant difference to those around you.
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together