Jesus never had a résumé. Even though He existed in the form of God, in humility, He took the form of you and me. His greatness was certainly not earned by His appearance. In fact we are told, “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him." (Isa. 53:2)
Nor did His material means gain Him notice: "Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay His head." (Luke 9:58) And, Jesus never boasted of His accomplishments. He only did what His Father told Him to do, even when it meant carrying His own cross to be crucified.
Christ was strong enough to stand without a résumé because of His presence. It was Who He was, His very being that touched people.
~The compassion in His eyes penetrated their soul.
~The love in His heart burned through their walls.
~And His clarity in His purpose blew up their perceptions of what people thought He should do.
It was only as He was connected with His Being that He accomplished greatness and performed miracles that we still study today, 2000 years after His death! Knowing this, I ask myself two questions. First (and it feels superficial to admit this), why do I sometimes wonder if what I am wearing will make a good impression? Next, why do I want others to notice what I am doing?
Can you relate? If you’re like me, we often forget that it is only what we are being that has the potential to create a deep bond with others. It is true that another person’s ego may notice what we are wearing or accomplishing; however, their soul is moved by who we are.
When we understand this, we can let go of "impression management". Instead, we begin to focus on being transparent – being emotionally naked and unashamed. We will no longer worry about how we look or how we compare. When we do great things from that place of authentic connection, we won’t be moved by people’s applause when it does occur…Because we already have what we came for! I say this confidently, having been told in 2 Peter 1:3-4, “His divine power has given us everything we need…He has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature.” (Italics mine)
Jesus emptied Himself, taking our form. Now, in Him we are complete and whole. And He promises us in John 14:12: “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father."
I pray two things for myself and for you, the one reading this: that trying to impress as well as focusing on our accomplishments are left out of our relationships. Instead of these, may our presence be remembered, even after we are gone, because we are connected to the Perfect Love and Being that is Jesus Christ.
Until next time, God Bless ~ Deb
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