Looking The Part

If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:3

I’d never skied before, but my friend—a professional skier—loaned me her top-of-the-line ski gear. She said, “At least you’ll look the part!” Well, it was apparent on my first day that looking great had no bearing on my performance on the slopes. I didn’t have any of the knowledge, skill, experience, or strength that a real skier needs. Looking the part didn’t count for much at all.

Similarly, we Christians can look the part by having the best gear (our Bibles, devotionals, commentaries), by avoiding certain behaviors, or by going to church and even singing on the worship team. But if our choice of gear and behaviors does not stem from a genuine love for Jesus, we have nothing.

Jesus wants authentic followers. Far beyond collecting the trappings of faith, those followers welcome and willingly yield to His transforming grace—allowing Him to change them from the inside out. But this transformation into Christlikeness does not happen overnight. Let’s be committed to strengthening our spirits and growing our love for Jesus so we really shine His light to those around us. Then we will look like Christ-followers outside, because we truly are Christ-followers inside!

Lord, please transform me from the inside out so I can live out a genuine faith in You. I want people to know I’m Yours.