Like Jesus
By John McCoury
1 John 4:17b: “In this world, we are like Jesus.”
The body serves to make our personality visible and to impact the world, whether for good or evil. Our purpose is not to change laws, cure social ills, or teach moral values. The church’s one true purpose is to manifest the life within, and that life is Jesus Christ.
John tells us in his first epistle: “In this world, we are like Jesus.” (1 John 4:17) This is our purpose. The church is here to show the world the life of Christ, just as He impacted people when He walked on earth.
Peter, a great authority in the church, emphasizes this in 1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, that you may show forth the wonderful deeds of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” You are these things so that you can manifest the life of Christ in the world.
When people encountered Jesus, they couldn’t leave Him alone. His life was magnetic—His love, care, and understanding of life drew people to Him. They listened to Him because He offered something deeper than anything they had known. This is what the church should be: a living body that shows Christ’s life to the world.
The church doesn’t need to focus on struggling to be better. We need to believe what we are—Christ indwelling us is all we need. When we truly believe in Christ’s power within, we can start living out the deeds of Him who called us out of darkness.
Reflection:
Do you believe that God’s life within you is all you need to become like Jesus, or are you relying on something else?
Prayer:
Father, Your life within us is all we need to become messengers of Your grace and mercy.
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John McCoury is the pastor of Evergreen Freewill Baptist Church in Roan Mountain, Tennessee, and the chaplain at Roan Highlands Nursing Center. You can read more good Christian news from John HERE.
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