The title of this post became popular in the 50s when a cartoon depicting aliens spoke to a horse. In reality, Christ-followers are the aliens in this world:
Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and exiles to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against the soul. Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles, so that when they slander you as evildoers, they will observe your good works and will glorify God on the day he visits.
1 Peter 2:11-12, CSB
Who Is Your Leader?
How can we stand out in such a way that those observing our lives will know that it is Christ in us? How can our good works point to Him? When our love looks like His love, the world will know that we are His disciples:
I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
John 13:34-35, CSB
Our Leader’s Love
Jesus demonstrated His love for us through His death for us: “But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, CSB). But His life was also an example for His followers.
- Jesus took the form of a servant and was humble (Phil 2:7-8).
- He had compassion and healed the sick (Matt 14:14).
- He fed the hungry (Matt 15:32).
- Jesus prayed for His disciples (John 17:20-21).
- He touched the leper (Matt 8:3).
- He encouraged going the second mile and turning the other cheek (Matt 5:39-41).
- Jesus valued children and a childlike faith (Mark 10:13-16).
- He was a great listener (think, Samaritan woman at the well, John 4).
- Jesus wept (John 11:35).
- He bore our sins to the cross.
Our Love
When our love looks like His love, we take the world to our leader. During those moments when we are patient and forgiving, we reflect Jesus’ life and teaching. When we care for each other and for those beyond the walls of the church, we reflect His love and point to Him. When we listen and value each person and conversation, we follow His example.
If we are going to make disciples of all nations, love must lead the way to our leader. How are you helping your disciples to love like Jesus? How are you helping your disciples to develop a Christian worldview that leads out in love?
One event that may help you is Apologetics: Discipleship in a Post-Christian World on Monday, November 15, 11:30-2:30, at Severns Valley Baptist Church, Elizabethtown (or online). For more information and to register, press the event link above. Love Him, each other, and the world like Jesus. Make disciples!
Photo by freestocks on Unsplash
