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Article Archive |
2007
HIDDEN POWER
by Jim Morris
One of our favorite pastimes in high school was trying to name every fast car we saw. We then tried to guess which ones were most likely to win at our town’s local drag race. We based our opinions on what we thought might be under the hoods. Easy enough to do, you think? Well, you can never judge the speed and power of a car unless you know for sure what is under the hood. Some of the most ordinary looking cars were the ones that had supercharged engines! We called them “sleepers.” To make a good guess you had to look for certain clues that gave away the “hidden power” on the inside.
People are like cars in a way. We often misjudge what a person can do based on wrong indicators. We judge according to the world’s standards of success--fame, fortune, knowledge, accomplishments, and good looks. We see the flashy folks as winners while the others are often dismissed as losers. We often think that the flashy folks are the ones to win the race of life. After all, ordinary folks cannot do much, can they?
Fortunately, God does not judge us in such a superficial manner. Rather, as a Master Mechanic He knows what is under the hood. He knows the performance potential of each of us. In His wisdom, He made some of us beautiful and trimmed out nicely. Others of us are more ordinary on the outside. In each case, though, He made us to be unique. God loves variety.
The Apostle John records the most important indicators of a person’s performance potential. The true winners of life’s race will carry the Master Mechanic’s own name. They all bear the name of Jesus. They are called “Christians.” Here are three simple ways to look under the hoods to see who bears the marks of a true disciple of Jesus.
First, we can know who Jesus’ disciples are by the way they live in His word. Jesus said, “If you abide (remain) in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). True disciples can give you a Bible answer for the important questions in life.
Second, we can know who Jesus’ disciples are by the way they love one another. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples; if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). True disciples will do what ever it takes to bless your life.
Finally, we can know who Jesus’ disciples are by the way they bear fruit in their lives. Jesus said, “By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples” (John 15:8). True disciples are always growing. God adds more power under their hoods each day. God also enables them to find others to take into His shop–the church–for repairs and revamping.
Do you want to pick the winners of life’s race? Look under the hoods the way that Jesus does. Search for those who live in God’s word, love one another, and are bearing good fruit. Remember, some of the most ordinary looking people are the ones who actually have supercharged souls! We call them “Christians.” Jesus calls them His disciples. Come see us at the shop to let the Master supercharge your soul, too!
02-28-07
# 9
