A week ago, the school where I teach (Trevecca Nazarene University) celebrated the opening dinner of the school year. And, it happened to me again. An individual hurried up to meet me and in great overtures, complemented my on my exceptional skills at the piano. I quickly explained that I don’t play the piano. However, the gentleman continued thanking me for sharing my musical gift. It took two more explanations before he realized that I am not the person he thought I was. When he finally realized the mistake, we both laughed as he explained, “You look just like him.”
I have one of those faces that remind people of somebody else. Every now and again, someone will say to me, “You know, you remind me of this other speaker. He’s really good.” I do my best to appreciate the “compliment.” However, I have come to a conclusion. I really don’t like reminding people of someone else. There is ONE MAJOR EXCEPTION: It is the central driving purpose of my life to be a living reminder of Jesus Christ.
Think about it. What if someone at work, in the grocery store, or your Sunday School class stopped you and said, “This is going to sound really strange, and I don’t understand it myself. Maybe it’s your attitude or the way you treat people, but there is just something about you that reminds me of Jesus Christ.”
- When people are hurt by the words and way of others, I want to remind them that in His stripes there is healing.
- When people are lonely, I want to remind them that there is no friend like Jesus Christ.
- In the quicksand of their shame and guilt, I want to remind them that there is forgiveness and grace in Him.
- In their anger and vengeance, I want to remind them of his love and cleansing.
- When someone is lost in a world that doesn’t care, I want to remind them that Jesus is the way back home to God.
And, to that end, I have three continuous prayers, prayers without ceasing in my own heart.
- O Lord, Make me a Godly Person.
- O Lord, Make me a Compassionate Person.
- O Lord, Make me a Spiritual Leader.
In my next three blogs, I want to share each of these prayers with you. We can be living reminders of Jesus Christ.