Recognized
I love our small town where I’m going about my business of pumping fuel or buying groceries and recognize a friend or a neighbor and strike up a conversation or a quick “how are you and your family?” I dress similar each day with dress slacks and nice shirt with my company logo on the left chest. In the evenings and on weekends, I might have a hat on and grunge clothes where I’ve been working around the house. I was “dressed down” the other day and ran into a friend at Home Depot – he didn’t recognize me in my hat and grunge clothes.
As Jesus’ ministry grew and people spread stories of His healings and His teaching. He could hardly go anywhere that He wasn’t recognized. This one specific event, He is recognized by the enemy. Check this out….
2 When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil spirit came out from the tombs to meet him. 3 This man lived in the burial caves and could no longer be restrained, even with a chain.4 Whenever he was put into chains and shackles—as he often was—he snapped the chains from his wrists and smashed the shackles. No one was strong enough to subdue him. 5 Day and night he wandered among the burial caves and in the hills, howling and cutting himself with sharp stones.
6 When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw him, ran to meet him, and bowed low before him. 7 With a shriek, he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don’t torture me!” 8 For Jesus had already said to the spirit, “Come out of the man, you evil spirit.” (Mark 5:2-8 NLT)
I’ve met people whom I noticed something different about them immediately. As I speak with them, it becomes obvious that they are Christ followers. I would love for people to recognize Jesus in me. I’ve met people who didn’t act very Christlike, and I learned later that they wear the name Christian. I don’t think I should have to go to church to recognize a Christian. I think my actions and my attitude should reflect that the Lord has my heart. I’d be ok if the enemy recognized me as well. I’m not saying, I can cast out evil spirits, but I know the One Who can.
I want to be known for my heart – NOT my dress or style. I want to be known for my love and service more than a student of God’s Word. I want to be recognized as a follower of Christ rather than the latest trends in our culture. I want to be recognized as a follower of Jesus more than a REALTOR/Broker. I want all that I do to reflect my heart that is fully devoted to Jesus. I want people to recognized Jesus in me MORE than anything.
Pressing On!
Dwayne