And I, as I am lifted up from the earth, will attract everyone to me and gather them around me." John 12:32
Here Jesus is telling us about his death on the cross that is to come. However, how does Jesus attract people to himself today? I think in much the same way. The act of dying on a cross was a act of humility, love, and forgiveness. Jesus placed himself as a servant and knew that in giving his life away people would come to him. We must do the same. We must lift Jesus up daily. I do not think it is by telling people how wrong they are, immoral they are, or how they are not following the right rules. Rather it is by sacrficing our selves, giving our lives away, being humble in our interactions with others, practicing kindness and love, and forgiving those around us. When we can do this we are lifting Jesus up and never ever have to evoke the name. People begin to get attracted to this kind of humility and love. People want to know how that can happen and what drives someone to practice something s powerful. I know that people I work with are attracted to forgiveness and acceptance, they are starved for it at times. Giving it to them is attractive and helpful. They want to know how they can do this for themselves and others. It becomes the most perfect time to tell them about God, Jesus, and how to live a life that can be one of peace and joy.
So how about it? Is Jesus being lifted up in your life? Is there a practice of kindness, forgiveness, and love to all those around you? Do people around you only sense your anger, criticism, and bitterness? If that is the case an inner journey needs to be taken so that Christ can be lifted up. Let Christ change your heart, allow God to search out, make you aware of, and change those places that need to be full of love instead of bitterness. This is the only way that Christ will be attractive to a world that desperately needs God's peace and love.
Namaste'
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