I was in a conversation recently when I was asked the following question about someone I know very well.
“Tell me what distinguishes him from so many others”.
A Telling Question
I had never been asked that question about this particular person so I thought about it for a few moments before answering…
- Good communicator? Yes. Distinguishing characteristic? No.
- Good leader? Yes. Distinguishing characteristic? No.
- Engaging Personality? Yes. Distinguishing characteristic? No.
He Has Been with Jesus
After a couple minutes of thinking through some of the potential answers, I blurted out the following. ”The distinguishing characteristic of that man is that when I am around him it is evident that he has been with Jesus. As a matter of fact, I want to be more like Jesus every time I am with this person.”
The Greatest Compliment
I am not sure that there was a greater compliment I could have given him. I am not sure there is a greater compliment that anyone could ever give us.
That said, what is our (yours and mine) distinguishing characteristic? I am not sure what it is right now but I know what I desire for it to be.
About the Author
I know that one of my biggest struggles early on was that I tried so hard to copy all of my “successful” pastoral role models that I had no idea who I was or what set me apart. I love this post and hope that someday the same may be said of me.
I just want to echo what Jeff said and agree. I want this to be said of me as well.
All too often, I get caught up in what others think of me. I want to be caught up in what Jesus thinks of me. I want to spend time with Him and be transformed by Him into whatever He desires me to be.