Learning to Live Like Jesus

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 11, 2017

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. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:20-21, NKJV

Without reading glasses all I see is a blurred semblance of letters, words, and sentences. My 2X readers magnify the print and bring into focus what my aged eyes alone are unable to see. The writings of a good book are always present, but only apparent with the assistance of glasses. In a similar fashion, Jesus is ever at work in and around me, but at times it may only be apparent when I see it magnified by another Jesus follower. A life surrendered to the Lord brings into focus what only seems like a blur in my unbelief. Christ magnified in a life brings clarity and comprehension.  

Paul pours forth his earnest desire, expectation, and hope to not be ashamed of the gospel, but with boldness to show and tell the truth of Jesus Christ. In life he magnified the Lord by living for the Lord. Paul suffered imprisonment and the intense pain of shipwrecks, suffering, and beatings at the hands of persecutors. What he, as an unbeliever, inflicted on believers, he now received the same interrogation and affliction. In shackles he magnified Jesus with joyful praise lifted to the Lord throughout the jail. Paul’s words and way of life focused in on faith in Jesus.

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27).

What does it mean to magnify Christ in our body? How do we conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ? Our body language can fluently communicate faith in Christ or it can become a confusing dialect of the devil’s devices. A smile is an invitation into a safe place, while a blank stare screams I don’t care. Eye contact and calling another’s name says you matter, you are unique and I want to know you. Learning to live like Jesus starts with a look, a listening heart and a caring word. Our body language can turn up the volume of the Lord’s tender voice.

Learning to live like Jesus is a lesson in being with Jesus, both in solitude and in community. You get alone with the Lord so He can prep you to conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the Lord. As you reflect on the life of Christ, being transformed by the inner workings of grace, your life begins to reflect Christ. Before you go out to represent Jesus, you must go in to be molded by Jesus. You can be assured God is with you and He grows even more apparent in the presence of other Jesus followers. You learn to live like Jesus by being with Jesus and His people.

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1).

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