There once lived three men. They lived full lives. Born at similar times, they also died at similar times. All three believed in Jesus and attended the same church. Each claimed to have a close walk with God.
Piety was known for what he stood against. He knew the scriptures well, and he made sure that no one in the church turned to the right or to the left in walking righteously before God. He prayed just the right way. He wore just the right clothes. He read his Bible at just the right time of day. He had more concerns about others than confessions about Himself, but it was because He really knew God’s word and it was his desire to “exhort” others to do the same.
Reaction didn’t like people to know him for what he stood against. In fact, he found more excitement out of hanging out with the people others had concerns for. He questioned everything the church did, arguing that it wasn’t all “biblical”–and he wanted things to be “biblical.” He did everything opposite of tradition simply because “God is not bound by man’s traditions.” His focus was more on the “freedom in Christ” than the Lordship of Christ, and he desired that everyone would feel “free in Christ.”
Authenticity, however, lived a life of peace. Not that no one ever ruffled his feathers and that he never ruffled theirs; but when conflicts would arise, he sat quietly. When he would finally talk, he asked if they could pray about the issues they discussed. He spoke of God as if the two of them were close friends. He glowed as if the presence of God Himself was glowing through him–although he never seemed to realize it. He was humble, but he didn’t tell people not to clap for him when he played music–looking humble wasn’t his focus. Neither did he try to promote himself–he let others do it for him. His walk was consistent, deep, joyful, and authentic. People spoke of being drawn to him because they felt that if they knew him, they could know Christ better.
Which way would you rather be described at the end of your life?
Pious people tend to be more concerned about doing things the right way. Reactionary people tend to find a thrill out of being opposite of those who “do things the right way.”
These two ways of living life are natural tendencies for all of us. I believe that at some point we all struggle with both; yet, we probably lean toward one over the other.
Yet, neither way of life radiates the glory of God.
How do we become people who live authentically and radiate God’s glory?
BJ is a man who visits our prayer services every now and then. His hair is grey, his legs give him pain and you have to say things loudly so he can hear you if you speak to him. Yet, even with all his aches and pains, BJ glows with the presence of God. I’m drawn to him because I can tell that he not only knows about God—he doesn’t just have an excellent knowledge of the scriptures—but He has experienced the Person behind the scriptures as well.
His walk with Christ is authentic.
So how can you and I become men and women who display Christ in such an authentic way?
In Psalm 73, Asaph is confused because it seems like the wicked and the arrogant are blessed by God because they are increasing in wealth. While those with pure hearts and innocent hands are stumbling along in poverty. Asaph almost gives up, but then something happens.
If you’re not familiar with the story, go read Psalm 73 right now. It’s not that long.
At verse 16, his attitude completely changes. He discovers that the wicked–though it looks as if they’re prospering–are destroyed because they are far from God. Asaph is also convicted by his own “beastliness,” and confesses that he was senseless and ignorant. But he finds guidance and refuge. He begins to glow and tell of all the works of God. How does this happen?
He entered the sanctuary of God.
It was in being near to God, that Asaph could radiate God’s glory.
But notice the progression of things: Asaph didn’t experience God’s nearness until he stood convicted before God. Once he confessed his sins, God took his hand and he found refuge and was able to tell of His works.
We become people who authentically radiate Christ, by being authentic with Him—by being near to Him.
Yet, that’s a dangerous thing to do.
We feel vulnerable. Our true motives and attitudes are exposed, even if we don’t act on them. We realize how far out of alignment we are with the way He designed us to live. We’re tempted to hide behind a kind of self-righteous way of life.
One way I can know I’m near God is that I have a continual longing to be made even more like Him.
One way I can know I’m far from God is that I sense no need for change.
Those who authentically radiate Christ trade in self-protection for nearness to God.
They submit to His will, rather than react or rebel. They confess their sins (yes, even as Christians we have lots of things to confess) instead of sitting in silence acting as if they have everything put together. They allow conviction, as opposed to controlling others through dogmatism.
Being a person who authentically radiates Christ means we press into the sanctuary of God to be in His presence, even though it’s dangerous and we’re tempted to self-protect, because we know that in being near to God we are conformed to His image and radiate His glory.
A friend of mine experienced this when he expressed recently that with everything he’s heard on pride and humility he thinks he should be getting better; but instead, it feels as if he’s getting worse. I see God’s work in Him. Sure, he’s feeling his “beastliness” as he is drawn into the presence of God–we all will. But if he continues to press in, he will experience God taking His hand, and molding Him into His image.
And we will see God’s glory shine through him.
So whatever you’re facing, make it your goal to press into the sanctuary of God. Don’t settle for self-protection. Strive, instead, for nearness to God.
Because it’s in nearness to God we can tell of all His works, as Asaph did. Through nearness to God we’ll authentically radiate His glory.
Just like BJ.
What are some characteristics of people in your life who radiate the presence of Christ? Share in the comments below.
