In His Image

Ephesians 5:1-2

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. (Ephesians 5:1-2)

“I LIKE YOUR CHRIST. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” This quote, often attributed (probably mistakenly) to Gandhi, reflects a common objection about Christianity—that the behavior and attitudes of Christians are a poor reflection of Jesus. It’s an easy complaint to make, of course, but it isn’t the real issue. The big question about Jesus is whether he expressed the truth, not whether his followers do. If Jesus is admirable and praiseworthy in comparison to his followers, then why not believe in him? It makes no sense to reject him based on historical examples of Christians behaving badly. But many skeptics prefer to focus on Christian faults and avoid the Jesus question altogether.

Still, the criticism makes a point. Throughout the ages, far too many believers have represented a Father of compassion in a spirit of judgment or a Father of patience in a spirit of anger. We have turned the gospel into words and doctrines rather than attitudes of the heart. We have become so focused on teaching the truth that we’ve forgotten to live it.

This misplaced focus has hindered the spread of the Good News. Historically, the church has begun with evangelism and indoctrination, and then tried to demonstrate love, compassion, mercy, and grace. Jesus’ example turns the process around—demonstrating the nature of God before teaching about him. We were made in the Father’s image and are being restored into that very same image through Jesus—the exact image of God (Hebrews 1:3)—by the power of the Spirit. That means our primary objective above all else is to reflect the Father’s heart—to till the soil of God’s Kingdom long before we try to plant the seeds of our words into it. If you want your world to know your Father, be like him. Represent him well, and let your words follow.

{Father, it is often said that apples don’t fall far from the tree, and I want to be one of the closest—to reflect who you really are. Transform me in my deepest depths to exude your Spirit. Amen.