It seemed to me, during this past holiday, stress was at an all time high for most people. Between the demands of Christmas, and the winter storms that came our way – people seemed to have very little patience and it was quite evident. Many people were not appearing to have Jesus in them – at least from my point of view. Short tempers and road rage was happening all around. I was thinking about this one morning as I drove to into town.
While I drove, I passed a woman’s home whom I was acquainted with. My mind went to a conversation I had recently with a friend concerning this person. My friend had shared with me that this woman was a devout Christian. While driving I thought about the several encounters I had personally with this woman. Not one of those encounters would lead me to believe she was a Christian. Frankly, from her rudeness and inconsideration, I wouldn’t have even thought she knew who God was. There was no good fruit, to say the least.
My thoughts then went to another person I know, a friend. I thought about how they dealt with people, again from personal knowledge. I wondered if the people they dealt with would ever believe they not only know God but seek Him daily.
While realizing I did not see Jesus in the first person I mentioned. I also knew people probably don’t see Jesus in the other person I spoke of, I had to ask myself an hard question, “Do people see Jesus in me?”
Galatians 5:22 says, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Our lives should exemplify these things. People will know us by our fruits. Are we producing good, godly fruit? Do people see Jesus in us? Jesus is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self- control. If we are not bearing these fruits, then people are not seeing Christ in us.
Matthew 7:16-17 says, Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
While continuing to ponder on this that day, I realized, there are many people I know, who are Christians, that do not bear the fruit of Christ. That saddens me. However, the question that is burning in my soul is this; How do I make sure people see Jesus in me? 
Do they look at me and think… “there is something different about her?” Even if they don’t know what it is, is it evident enough to cause them to see something unique about me. I certainly hope so.
It is not time to play church, we are not to be like the world. We are supposed to look different. To act different. To respond differently. There should be a light about us – something that draws people to Jesus. Something that makes people want to have what we have. Peace should surround us – be within us. Love should be always our response.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want anyone to say or even think about me… “I didn’t know she was a Christian; you would never know by the way she acts.”
Today, as you go about your day, pay attention to your actions, your fruit. Are you behaving Christ-like? Is your light shining? Are you at peace? Are you walking in love? Are you humble? Are you kind? Do people see Jesus in you? Are you joining in conversations of gossip that you know you shouldn’t? Are you being critical or judgmental? Or are you responding to challenging situations in a calm, godly manner? Do people see Jesus in you?
This provoking question has given me a lot to think about this week. It is causing me to take a long, hard look at the fruit I am producing…is it good and goldy fruit? My hearts cry is for people to see Jesus in me. For people to know, without question, that I belong to God and choose to live my life in a way that is pleasing to Him…how about you?
