A PICTURE OF CHRIST

It was the first day in art class, and the professor wanted to challenge his students to do something creative. Standing before them, he suggested that they draw a picture that had meaning and significance. Pausing for a moment, he turned to one student and said, “And what, William, are you going to draw?”

“I believe that I will draw a picture of Christ,” he replied.

“But,” said the professor, “no one knows what He looks like.”

“They will know what He looks like when I’m through,” said William.

People may see a representation of Christ on canvas, paper, or cloth, but God expects them to see Christ in us – by the way we live. Scripture clearly explains, time and time again, that the Christian is the one, not an artist, who is to provide a “picture of what Christ looks like.”

Those around us who know we are Christians develop their understanding and image of Christ by watching us: what we do, how we live, what we say. They “read” about Christ in how we act and react to the events that come into our lives. They “see” Christ in what we do and how we do things for others. Simply stated, we are responsible for showing those around us His love.

A Christian is to have a “mind” that thinks as Jesus thought, a “heart” that breaks when the ravages of sin are visible, a “hand” that reaches out to those in need, and a “voice” through which He speaks to share His message.

Prayer:  Our Father, You have given us a tremendous responsibility to represent You to others. We admit we are unable to do this unless we allow You to live through us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:   But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. 1 John 2:4-6