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When You Want to Look More Like Jesus

January 24, 2017 by betsydecruz 35 Comments

We're the only letter from Jesus some of our friends and family may read, but we don't have to be perfect. How can we be Jesus to people around us today?I look in the mirror, and I don’t look much like Jesus. I look like a homeschooling writer mom hanging on by a thread: rumpled clothes because I had no time to iron and graying hair that was brushed hours ago. Smile lines crinkle around my eyes. Middle age spread is spreading around my middle.  Looking at my spattered apron, you’d have no idea that Jesus lives in me.

Yet His Word says we’re temples of His Holy Spirit.

We’re His living letters.

We're the only letter from Jesus some of our friends and family may read, but we don't have to be perfect. How can we be Jesus to people around us today?

Jesus in us might be the first our kids see of Him in the morning when we wake them up. (Scary thought!)

Jesus may prompt me to reach out and squeeze my husband’s shoulder or give him a kiss.

Perhaps He’ll call you to listen if a friend needs to talk or to pray for her when she’s struggling.

Jesus reminds us to smile at our neighbors and stop to say hello

We’re the only Jesus some of our friends may ever see.

We’re the only Jesus some of our friends may ever see.

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That scares me because the Jesus I carry inside sometimes gets tarnished.

Some days I don’t want to act like Jesus. I’m tired. I snap in irritation rather than speak words of life. I’m selfish instead of self-sacrificing. I want to retreat rather than talk with my teenager, listen to my husband, or teach Sunday school. I think about my own needs rather than try to understand my friend. I don’t always reflect Jesus clearly.

The good news is we don’t have to be perfect for people to see our Savior in us.

If we’re transparent about our weaknesses, Jesus shines through us more brightly. If we confess our sins, God forgives and keeps using us. When we admit our failures and apologize to others, they see we’re imperfect people who aren’t pretending. Cracked vessels that let the light of Jesus shine through.

Maybe the secret to letting more of His light shine through us is letting more of that light get inside us. John said it this way: “He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30)

We're the only letter from Jesus some of our friends and family may read, but we don't have to be perfect. How can we be Jesus to people around us today?

How do we let more of Jesus get inside us?

Maybe He becomes greater when we give His Holy Spirit more control and put His Word to work. We learn to let His Word renew our minds and be written on our hearts. As we invite the Holy Spirit in, we’re empowered to:

  • Love more and criticize less.
  • Choose more forgiveness and less bitterness.
  • Show more kindness and less anger.
  • Serve more and judge less.
  • Say hello to God’s way and good bye to my way.

Who can we be Jesus to today?

Who can we smile at? Who can we touch or hug? Who can we call or send a text to? Who can I help? Who can you be a friend to today? We’re His living letter, the only letter from Jesus that some people may read.

We're the only letter from Jesus some of our friends and family may read, but we don't have to be perfect. How can we be Jesus to people around us today?

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This post is part of  a January series called “More of Jesus.” Here are previous posts you may have missed:

One Wonderful Word When You Need More of Jesus

What to Do When You Need a Best Friend

The Most Powerful Word You Can Pray

I’m linking up with Holly Barrett’s #TestimonyTuesday, Kelly Balarie’s #RaRaLinkup, Holley Gerth’s Coffee for your Heart, Arabah Joy’s Grace and Truth, and Suzie Eller’s #LiveFree Thursday. Check out these communities for more encouragement.

Photo Credit: Melika

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Filed Under: Real Life, Spiritual Growth Tagged With: 2 Corinthians 3:3, Imperfect People, Jesus in Me, Living Letters, More of Jesus in Us, Reflecting God to Others

Comments

  1. Liz says

    January 24, 2017 at 4:37 am

    <3 Your words are always to encouraging and refreshing, Betsy! I see a whole lotta Jesus in you! XO

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      January 24, 2017 at 5:15 am

      Aww Liz. That means so much to me coming from you, friend. : )

      Reply
  2. Marva | SunSparkleShine says

    January 24, 2017 at 5:14 am

    Thank you for this inspiration this morning, Betsy. Your words became the basis of my morning devotions and prompted me to get in touch with a friend who’s going through a tough time. I pray that Jesus will shine through me and give her hope.
    Hugs and blessings!

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      January 24, 2017 at 5:16 am

      Thanks so much for encouraging me, Marva. I pray that God will use you to life up your friend and let her know she’s loved.

      Reply
  3. Bev @ Walking Well With God says

    January 24, 2017 at 5:23 am

    Betsy,
    What beautiful encouragement to start my day! Yes, the thought that I may be the only Jesus that people may see today is daunting, but like you pointed out…we DON’T have to be perfect. I love the image of getting more light in us that will shine through the cracks of our weaknesses. I’ll keep pouring Him in by being in His Word. Thanks…I needed this!
    Blessings,
    Bev

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      January 24, 2017 at 5:31 am

      Amen to that, Bev! Let’s keep pouring His Word in, so we can pour out more. : )

      Reply
  4. Alice Walters says

    January 24, 2017 at 6:18 am

    Betsy, thank you for candor, encouragement, and challenge! Jesus calls us to be His with all our imperfections. This is exactly what I needed to hear today. Blessings from your neighbor at Kelly’s

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      January 24, 2017 at 8:15 am

      Thanks for reading my words, Alice. Blessings to you too.

      Reply
  5. Mary Geisen says

    January 24, 2017 at 8:17 am

    Amen. Who can I be Jesus for today? That is a question I need to ask everyday. I need to be intentional about hanging with God in a way that it spills over into other parts of my life. Thank you for being so real Betsy. It helps me to recognize my own mess and strive to be more like Jesus. That was a compliment by the way! 🙂

    Praying you and your family are doing well.

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      January 24, 2017 at 9:03 am

      Oh thanks so much for the compliment, Mary. : ) Yes, I’ve got plenty of mess around here too, so glad Jesus loves me and wants to reach others through me anyway. : )

      Reply
  6. Roni says

    January 24, 2017 at 8:36 am

    Starting my day feeling inspired by your message today. I have always believed that “the little things” matter the most, but your thoughts illustrate a deeper connection to our daily, small acts of love. Thank you

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      January 24, 2017 at 9:04 am

      Thank you for reading, Roni. Yes, the little things turn out to be big don’t they? Hope you have a good day.

      Reply
  7. Jeannie Prinsen says

    January 24, 2017 at 8:55 am

    I love your posts Betsy because yes, they are convicting, but they’re also encouraging. I think it’s because you’re honest about your own weaknesses first. I can relate to so much of this and I really appreciate your encouraging words and the suggestions for practical ways to show Jesus’ love in our day-to-day lives.

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      January 24, 2017 at 9:05 am

      Thanks so much, Jeannie. I so appreciate your encouragement. I’m a bit of a mess lots of the time, so I figure I might as well try to be honest about it. : ) Grace to you and your family today.

      Reply
  8. Lesley says

    January 24, 2017 at 3:44 pm

    It is challenging to think that we are the only Jesus some people will see but it’s a great reminder of how important it is to represent him well, and I’m grateful that he can use us despite our imperfections. I like that translation of 2 Corinthians 3:3.

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      January 25, 2017 at 3:28 am

      I love that verse too, Lesley. I’m so grateful that He uses us and loves us despite our messes. Because I’ve got plenty of those. : )

      Reply
  9. Sarah Geringer says

    January 24, 2017 at 5:06 pm

    Very good post, Betsy. I appreciate your vulnerability and your words of encouragement. I plan to share this link on my Facebook page in the coming week. I always know I will find something of quality when I click on one of your links (this week, at #raralinkup). Blessings to you!

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      January 25, 2017 at 3:27 am

      Thanks so much for reading, Sarah. I am honored. Blessings to you!

      Reply
  10. Michele Morin says

    January 25, 2017 at 7:39 am

    Thanks for this grace-filled reminder that I don’t have to be quite so obsessed with those teachable moments, but can just enjoy my kids, and love them like Jesus would. Today, I’m going to smile more and follow your first suggestion: “Love more and criticize less.”
    Blessings, Betsy! This has been a great series.

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      January 25, 2017 at 8:36 am

      Thanks, Michele! Yes, I can get obsessed with teachable moments too, being the teacher I am. 🙂 Here’s to smiling more! I’m sure Jesus did that a lot.

      Reply
  11. Tiffany Parry says

    January 25, 2017 at 12:32 pm

    I bet after a hard day ministering, caring, serving, and sandals through the mud, Jesus looked a whole lot like you do after a hard day of the same. I love your encouragement that we don’t have to be perfect to look like Jesus. Here’s to shining for Him.

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      January 26, 2017 at 6:20 am

      Amen! I never thought before about what Jesus himself must have looked like after those days. Great thought, Tiffany. Thank you.

      Reply
  12. Jill says

    January 25, 2017 at 12:52 pm

    Well said and timely for me Betsy! Thanks for reminding this cracked vessel to still shine Jesus through it all!

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      January 26, 2017 at 6:21 am

      It’s from one cracked pot to another, Jill. 🙂

      Reply
  13. Sarah Donegan says

    January 25, 2017 at 3:34 pm

    The only Jesus someone may see. Yikes! I know that is true. And the minute I tell my kids to be kind, the neighbor ticks me off. Guess I need to practice what I preach….

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      January 26, 2017 at 6:22 am

      Isn’t that the truth, Sarah? I know the feeling!

      Reply
  14. Sabra Penley says

    January 26, 2017 at 7:08 am

    Such an encouraging post, Betsy!

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      January 28, 2017 at 3:52 am

      Thanks, friend. : )

      Reply
  15. Kristi Woods says

    January 26, 2017 at 8:15 am

    Hello beautiful woman! His light beams strong in you, grey hair, frumpled clothes and all. (As I sit here in pjs w/hair that’s yet to be touched! lol) You’re transparent, gentle, and caring – and you lead us to Him so well. Amen. #goJesus

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      January 28, 2017 at 3:53 am

      Hah! From one pj friend to another! (I wear yoga pants instead of pj’s, on the pretext that I’m about to exercise. : ) ) #goJesus

      Reply
  16. Linda Stoll says

    January 26, 2017 at 8:35 am

    I see Jesus in you, In each and every visit.

    Grateful for your influence in my life, Betsy …

    Reply
  17. Brenda says

    January 28, 2017 at 12:24 pm

    Wow, Betsy. Such a beautifully written post. Love that verse, too. Thanks for sharing a perspective on it that I hadn’t considered. — And, thank you for this series; I’ve enjoyed it. (( xoxo ))

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      January 29, 2017 at 12:29 pm

      Thanks so much for reading, Brenda. I appreciate you so much.

      Reply
  18. Jeannette martinez says

    March 5, 2017 at 12:32 pm

    God bless you and your family💕you touched my ♥ and I want to say thank you.

    Jeannette

    Reply
    • betsydecruz says

      March 5, 2017 at 1:32 pm

      Thanks so much, Jeannette. Blessings to you and your family too.

      Reply

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Hello! I’m Betsy.

I believe overwhelmed women can learn to take small steps to experience more of God's presence and power in their lives. When we hear God's voice through His Word, He calms our fears and frees us to receive His peace and joy. Read More…

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Encouraging women to pursue Jesus and live out His purposes. ⬇️I'd love to give you Free Quiet Time Renewal Guide.

Happy Easter! So grateful to celebrate little Leon Happy Easter! So grateful to celebrate little Leon's first Easter with Elijah, Camilla, and the rest of the family ❤️
I'm so grateful God held little Leon in His hands I'm so grateful God held little Leon in His hands and delivered him safely into this world one week ago today!

Camilla and Elijah are doing such a great job as parents already, and we have a cute little cuddlebug to hold and marvel over! Abuelo José is in awe to be able to hold such a little guy! (PSA, last photo is the best!)

I keep marveling over God's faithful care and keep coming back to this verse: "From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you." Psalm 71:6

#grandbaby #baby #grandmother #thanks
1. When you and your daughter are students at the 1. When you and your daughter are students at the same seminary.  2. And your husband is on staff there!❤️
So excited to begin at @dallasseminary this fall! Diving into Systematic Theology as a first step to my Masters in Christian Education 😍🎉
Such a fun evening last night at Convocation.
Feliz Navidad from the Cruz family! ❤️🎄 We Feliz Navidad from the Cruz family! ❤️🎄

We've enjoyed such a fun and memorable Christmas season. So grateful for family,  loved ones, and for the way Advent cheers our spirits and reminds us of the wonder of Jesus' coming to earth.

#feliznavidad #merrychristmas #advent #joy  #family
I'm so grateful for all the ways God showed up at I'm so grateful for all the ways God showed up at our Women's Christmas Lunch with @northwestbiblewomen . ❤️🎄 This was the biggest party I've ever hosted, totally beyond my capacity. I'm giving God thanks for the amazing people who made it possible:
👉
#2 Cindy Douglas, our Women's Christmas Lunch Coordinator. So gifted.

#3 Our Ninja team who did the work to pull everything off.

#4 Our speakers, @rebeccacarrell  and @beca.inke . So talented. Filled with the Holy Spirit.

(Amazing worship team is not pictured! 😭)

#5 Fabulous table hostesses, who decorated the tables and made women feel welcome.

#6 Men who volunteered to serve, including my own José!

#7 Northwest group life team women, who served as table hostesses and supported me in those moments when I thought I'd lose my mind! 😂

(Not pictured are our lovely greeters and my dear daughter Camilla, who was at my side, one of my best friends. ❤️)

#thanks to all of you! What amazing #teamwork ! ❤️🎄

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Fortunately, I was not in charge of decorating for Fortunately, I was not in charge of decorating for Sugar and Dice this weekend! Where I would have plunked down autumn leaves and fake pumpkins, my friend Mary had a vision to make our women's social beautiful with these flower arrangments and white pumpkin candleholders.

For me, our event was a fun celebration of women's gifts, and the fact that we are better together!

@kristenains had a great idea, organization, and menu planning skills.
@emileemeeks gave it a cute name and promoted it.
@marystoelzing made it beautiful (and got her husband and his wheelbarrow to bring in all the pumpkins).
@raisinshan led us through the ins and outs of Bunco!
@heyjayes had a willing heart to help with setup.

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It's almost 6 months now since I started a new role as women's minister at Northwest Bible Church. I'm so grateful for how God has helped me up to now and for the lovely community of women I get to serve. I've been stretched in new ways, and I'm learning more about desperate dependence on Jesus! He's showing me that the most important thing I can do to serve others well is to cultivate a quiet spirit that waits on God, listens for His voice, and trusts His power instead of running ahead on my own steam! 😅

I'm looking forward to the coming season and continuing to learn how to seek more of God's presence and and trust His power.

Also looking forward to cooler days! What are you looking forward to in this new season? 🍂🍁

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