“They recognized (Peter and John) as men who had been with Jesus.” Acts 4:13 NLT
“Admiration nurtures inspiration for association resulting in imitation.”
My thoughts today are about being “easily recognizable.”
Sometimes you can recognize where a person comes from by their national accent or regional mannerisms. Occasionally you can recognize who a person has been with recently by their unconsciously adopted manner of similar speech and attitude to a person they admire. This principle is easiest to see demonstrated with children, but is true whatever your age may be.
Kids tend to pick up both the good and bad habits of their peers, as well as their speech. What parent has not said, with a little shock, “Where in the world did you learn that word?” Whether young or old, unknowingly, you too will pick up the language, fashion, slang, attitude, conduct, preferences, opinions, beliefs, prejudices, and lifestyle of the people you allow to influence you.
There are certain things that eventually come to be identified with who you are. Over time those become the basis upon which people know and recognize you. How are you recognized? Whose influence in your life is evident to others of your lifestyle? Admiration nurtures inspiration, encouraging continued association resulting in imitation.
Do not spend an inordinate amount of time with something or someone that you do not wish to be drawn to or become like them. Here is a good choice to make which you will never regret, “All of us . . can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him and reflect His glory even more.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT. Let your life be distinguished by the time that you spend with Jesus.
As Peter warmed himself by a fire after Jesus’ arrest, a young girl recognized Peter as being one of the followers of Jesus. Read Luke 22:54-62 NIV. Though he vehemently denied it, there was something about Peter that identified him with Jesus, even when he did not want to be. He was ashamed, probably afraid, to be recognized as Jesus’ friend and companion, torn with indecision, drawn to follow Jesus to this place yet wanting to remain in the crowd, safely in the shadows. Unfortunately, that has not been only true of Peter, has it? Jesus gave this cautious warning, “If a person is ashamed of Me and My message, I will be ashamed of that person when I return in My glory.” Read Luke 9:23-26 NLT.
Thankfully, that is not where Peter’s story ends, nor should yours. After the Resurrection and Pentecost, Peter was again recognized as a companion and follower of Jesus by very powerful, religious leaders, along with John “as men who had been Jesus.” Acts 4:13 NLT. Now Peter was glad to be known as a Christ-follower, even willing to die for his faith.
I guess I would ask myself two questions today. Am I willing to be recognized as a follower of Jesus, or reluctant as Peter once was? Do I find joy when something of my manner of life and lifestyle clearly identify me to others as a man, husband, father, and friend “who has been with Jesus”?
I am a bit surprised, and honored, when someone kindly recognizes me in the community apart from the church and school campus. I will likely never be mistaken for Jesus, but I certainly want to be one who is recognized as belonging to Him! You were created in the image and likeness of God; your daily spiritual disciplines and practices will make you easily recognizable as such. See John 15:8 NIV/John 13:34-35 NIV/1 John 13:1-3.
My prayer for you today is that you love Jesus in ways no one can ignore.