Who I Want to Be

Becoming a person Jesus delights in.

Each of us have been called to be people of light, not just watchdogs in the dark.

I understand error is real. And I know truth matters. And I know we are commanded to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). But if all we do is bark at error, we’ve missed our purpose. We are not here to police the boundaries, we have been made new to shine the light of Christ into a lost and dying world.

When Christians become consumed with guarding against error, but fail to reflect the character of Jesus, something is broken. When our identity is more about drawing lines than bearing fruit, we’ve drifted. When our speech is sharper than our love, we’re not walking in step with the Spirit.

Jesus was full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Both. Not one or the other. His people should be the same. For example:

• We are for holiness: because God is holy (1 Peter 1:16).

• We are for the gospel: because it is the power of God to save (Romans 1:16).

• We are for compassion: because Jesus was moved by compassion (Matthew 9:36).

• We are for justice, mercy, and faithfulness: because these are the weightier matters of the law (Matthew 23:23).

• We are for equipping the saints and saving the lost: because the church is the pillar and support of the truth (Ephesians 4:12; 1 Timothy 3:15).

Sound doctrine matters. But doctrine alone doesn’t make us faithful.

Jesus praised the Ephesian christians for their discernment; they hated what He hated. They tested false teachers. They stood for truth. But they had lost something vital: love. And Jesus said if they didn’t repent, He would remove their lampstand (Revelation 2:5). In other words: It’s possible to be doctrinally sound and still be on the verge of rejection.

So again: What are you known for? Not just in the community. Not just among other churches in “our circle”. Not even in your own eyes. But in heaven.

• Does Jesus see faith that works through love? (Galatians 5:6)

• Does He see unity rooted in humility? (Philippians 2:1–5)

• Does He see sacrificial service? Courageous witness? Endurance in trial?

• Are we carrying the cross, or just clinging to comfort?

• Are we spending ourselves for the Kingdom — or simply defending a tradition?

Jesus walks among His churches. He is the judge, we are not. He knows who his people are. He knows what we’re known for. May we be the kind of people that He doesn’t just recognize — but delights in. Not because of our name. Not because of our reputation. But because of our heart. That’s who I want to be, how about you?