No less than 164 times, Paul refers to Christians as people “in Christ” or “in him” or “in God” or “in the Lord.” It's a tantalizing phrase, with thrilling implications for the lives of Christians. In Colossians, the Apostle also reminds us that “Christ is in you” (Colossians 1:27)...we are “in Christ” and “Christ is in us.” So what is the primary implication of these truths? The purpose is not that we create great monuments or organizations, or that we create “successful” lives, but rather, our lives are to be lived to reflect Christ. A literal translation of Colossians 3:10 - “having already been regenerated and made new, continue being renewed according to the norm and standard of Christ.” That's it! Our lives are to reflect Christ. In fact, the term “Christian” means “little Christs.” We are to be “little Christs.” When people see us they should be seeing a representation of Christ. Our thoughts and intents of our hearts should reflect how Christ thinks and purposes. If we would be committed to this truth, it would revolutionize our churches, our marriages, our families, our occupations, the influence we would have on our culture.

My Utmost for His Highest hits upon this recognition:

“In the redemption, Jesus Christ rehabilitated the whole of humanity, putting it back into a right relationship with God. Our Lord's sacrifice means that now each and every one of us is able to enjoy an intimate, personal relationship with the Father. But developing a spiritual life of our own isn't the only reason we are here. We are also here to “reach unity in the faith”—to realize Jesus Christ in our shared life in the church.

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers . . .” (1 Corinthians 12:27-28). The first great obedience of the church is to Jesus Christ. When the church stops putting Christ first and starts focusing on its own development as an organization, it ceases to be a spiritual society. The reason Jesus Christ places apostles and teachers in the church isn't to build up a worldly institution; it's to build up the body of Christ—the unified community of believers.

Am I building up the shared body of Christ? Or am I seeking personal development only? If I am keeping my focus on the essential thing—my relationship to Jesus Christ—then I am doing what is right for the entire body. If instead I am wanting and seeking things for myself, my relationship to Christ and to his community is distorted. It will be a big humiliation to recognize that I haven't been concerned about realizing Jesus Christ, but only about realizing what he has done for me.

Thomas Chisholm lived to be almost 100. In his many years of walking with Christ he discovered the main issue...the most important issue...the issue that should drive every believer. Upon reflecting on his life, Chisholm wrote this song that is my prayer for you and me this day:

Oh! to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer,
This is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I'll forfeit all of earth's treasures,
Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.
Refrain:
Oh! to be like Thee, oh! to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.

Walk with the King today and be a blessing.