He was, in fact, an awful looking man. Years of sunlight and chewing tobacco seemed to have transformed his face, craggy with age, into a permanent pucker. He often did not shave. His hands were gnarled and scarred with thickened fingernails. His work clothes draped the same on his body as they did on the hanger, with the exception of a somewhat exaggerated and lopsided twist. Quite obviously a working man; however, most people would not look long enough to make that assessment. And, to some I am sure, he looked scary, but not to me. I loved him. He was my uncle. I knew his story. I had sat in the overly warm room with multiple heating pads, smelled the liniment, and seen the small dispensary of medicine that kept this craftsman working far past the age others had stopped. When the renovations at my office looked as if they had become a bottomless money pit, the partners in serious suits and expensive cologne fired their contractor, made a joke or two about my uncle’s appearance and need for retirement, but then wondered what it would take to get him there to take over. All my efforts at a willing spirit, an eager attitude, and dressing for success had done little to elevate my stature compared to the awe with which they looked at me when I announced he was my uncle and I could call him immediately.

In our walk with Christ we endeavor to act and look the part as we go about our days hoping to reflect the lordship of Christ. But in the end, it is all about Him. It is His sacrifice, His broken body, His disgrace, even His rejection, that brings glory to Him and, unfathomably, to us. We are given discernment and authority as a result of our relationship to Christ. “I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15) Our behavior, credentials, and demeanor matter, but only as a platform on which Christ is shown. Our relationship with Christ and the knowledge His Spirit imparts to us is what gives us the supernatural edge that leads to victory. It is all about Who you know.

Pray:

Adoration: God is holy, mighty, gracious, and merciful. Spend time declaring your love for Him and expressing your thoughts of praise and worship.

Confession: Ask God to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.

Thanksgiving: Express your thankfulness to God for the blessings He has given you. When we consider that we deserve punishment because of our sinfulness, and instead God gives to us His love and mercy, our only response should be one of thankfulness.

Supplication: Petition God for growth in your compassion and love toward others. Offer prayers for your loved ones and others who do not know Jesus and for those in need. Ask God to use you to tell others about Him and show His love. Offer prayers concerning your activities for this day and any special concerns you have.