Perhaps you know the story in John 11 where Jesus wept because of his friend Lazarus' death. Maybe you know about the Word's report of Jesus saying he wept over Israel because of their lost state. God has feelings just as he has given to you and I. He created us in his image. We're not necessarily talking about physical image though that's the first thought that comes to our mind. he also created us in his emotional and psychological image. That means we can and should engage His image in us. We live in a world that teaches us to stifle the image of God we are made in and live out every day. What not to be like is reinforced more than it's opposite. Just what is the need for us to live out our lives so that they are reflective of His image? For beginners we are to be the Lord Jesus to the world. The first sense people use when meeting someone is to see or look at them. What do they see in the Christians life that would draw them to God? Do they see the love, acceptance and approval that God the Father has given you when you surrendered your life to Jesus? The evidence or fruit would convey to those around you God and not you. God's love, acceptance and approval is unconditional. Mankind is unable to do unconditional due to their fallen state. That means we are incapable of being Jesus to the world unless it's "no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me."
Once we see the image of God we are changed forever. We are captivated to know God more. When we are Adoring, Confessing, Thanking, and Supplicating (asking) with the Father, we come to know the heart of God more and more. Should you see someone who states they are a Christian who doesn't exhibit the heart of God; suspect that they aren't believers in the first place. No one can engage God and NOT be changed. But changed to what? Changed into the image of God that we were created to be. There is a physical birth and then for those who believe there is a spiritual birth. Both serve to show forth the glory of God in his creation. God isn't so distant or preoccupied that he doesn't notice you. His eye is on us and he loves us. His intention is for us to be blessed and not cursed. The choice, however, is up to us. Do we really want to be like Jesus? Do we really want to be separated from the world? What are our concerns in life? Do you find yourself loving, accepting and approving the image of God in others? Do you cry when God cries?
Spending time crying over worldly issues isn't what I'm talking about. Yes, tragedy happens in the lives of believers just like it does in the non-believer. Yes, there are and will be losses in our lives. Yes, we will weep over those we love when they pass away. Just as Jesus did. What we do after is important. Do we stay stuck in that part of the process and immobilize ourselves so that we no longer present Jesus to the world? Many do. Why isn't our attachment with God so strong that we move forward rather than stay anchored in the past? Yes, death is tragic especially for those who are not saved. Are we really grieving the loss of someone or are we grieving our loss of someone. Do we have a need for love acceptance and approval from mankind that when someone dies we become distraught over the loss or do we go on and continue to live Jesus to the world. What's most important to the world is that we stay ineffective in our daily living. God cries when we are in that state. Not only does his Son get pushed aside but the blessings of God seem to disappear as well because we don't look to God. If you have died and Jesus is living through you, cry as he cried.
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