Just Jesus

 

 Just Jesus

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come! Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 7: 17

We are so much better when we live our lives together with other like minded people. It is only when we allow the love of Christ to extend into this world together that others can see the love of God. 

We live our lives better together. We teach this to kids. Team work is working together to accomplish things so we can be better together. We need someone to lead us and we will follow something.  You see this is a classroom of preschoolers. They will have a leader and depending on who they choose can determine the level of chaos in the classroom. Regardless of what we believe we will follow something. We were talking about this the other day with our preschoolers at circle time. They had just celebrated Presidents Day so they were talking about leaders. Who led us, who were those people? Some of those responses were policeman, fireman, mom, dad, and teachers. Then one little one shot his hand in the air. He was so excited to share. He said, “God leads us” to which a little guy next to him said, “Oh I go to church where do you go?” It was that sweet reminder of those kids once again reminding me He is in charge. That isn’t the message all around me and the real struggle for me is the remembrance of my heart and mind to keep that eternal focus. That is why I value and hold tight those people that continue to encourage me and keep pointing me to Jesus. Just Jesus follow him.

It never ceases to amaze me how teaching kids will always teach me a greater understanding of how I am meant to live in a way of having a continual teachable spirit. Learning to become more like Jesus is a day in and day out stripping off my old ways to learn his. Some of those days I just want to push that pause button or even hide away. The more we share our lives the more others can see Jesus working in our lives. That authenticity that we continue to bear has its challenges but it is the reminder of myself becoming more like Jesus each and every time I share a little bit more. 

When did we become so conscious of what we share? 

Those little ones share everything! They never hold back and share everything that is going on within their lives and what is happening in their homes. What if we did the same? The hard, good, ugly things of following Jesus is what others need to hear. That is the only way they can begin to SEE the grace and truth that is leading us. 

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf; Be reconciled to God. He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20-21

We are those witnesses of His mercy and grace and they see that through our lives. The choice is ours everyday. Will we let people see that? 

Jesus,

You are alive and working for us. We could never repay what you did for us. We are a new creation in you Christ Jesus. Continue to reveal those areas within our hearts and minds that are not allowing you full reign and rule. You are the only one worthy of all our praise. If it all passed away it would still be just you Jesus. Living here is a reminder to keep focused on your heart to love others that they too will see how they belong to your Kingdom. It all belongs to you King Jesus.

Amen