Throughout my entire life “image” was key to success. But what most people think of when I say “image” is referring to outward appearance; makeup, hair, athleticism, or even your body type. I could go into a whole lot about how the world uses people’s insecurities about their looks to sell products and make a big buck, but that is not what this post is about.
The image that I am referring to, is the “image” that God wants us to show in our Christian lives. Now, this has been on my mind a lot over the last few days because of circumstances that have taken place in my life that I can’t change.
My mind’s conversation and the Bible verses that have helped me work through my thoughts.
“Am I showing Christ in my life like I am supposed to, like Christ instructed?”
Galatians 2:19-20 – For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
“When I am with my friends, am I encouraging them in their Christian walk or discouraging them with my non-Christian conversation?”
Ephesians 4:29 – Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
“Am I a good example to those around me, or do I seem one way at church and another way outside of church?”
James 1:26 – If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
Titus 1:16 – They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
“Then why does it seem like all my friends/fellow church members keep leaving?”
Mark 8:34 – And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. (Because everyone needs to make that decision for themselves.)
“Why do I feel like I am the only one that cares or tries?”
Matthew 13:15-17 – For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them ; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. (We can’t see others’ hearts like Christ does.)
“Is there something more that I should do?”
John 13:15 – For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. (Work hard on following Christ’s example on how to live.)
As you can probably guess by my private conversation in my head, another one of my friends chose to leave my wonderful little church. And to be perfectly honest, I wondered if I did something that discouraged her or added to the reasons for her leaving. But after seeing these verses, I am reminded that we can’t control others’ decisions. All we can do is strive to follow God’s image and reflect that in our own lives.
I have been reminded this week how important our Christian image is. How do others, those in your church, at your work, or even in your own homes see you? What are you showing them?
Now I know this is supposed to be connected to our trains of life, so think of this. Are you more concerned about your paint color or the hospitality on your train? Do you focus more on shining the brass or on making sure your train runs as it should? Both are important, but people won’t care if the paint is fresh and the brass is shining if the train can’t go anywhere. God is the core of what is important in our lives. That is what we need to focus on the most.