Christian Living

What is the Gospel According to You?

by J.W. Phillips
01/28/25
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What is the Gospel According to You?

High in the dome of the Palace Rospigliosi in Rome is a classic painting by Guido Reni entitled, “The Aurora.” But because the viewing of this picture required that long upward look, thus straining the neck and eyes of anyone making the attempt, its beauty was somewhat difficult to appreciate.

Attempting to mitigate this problem, a man of caring, if not cleverness, placed a high-powered mirror on the floor; and so, by magnifying the masterpiece in this way, the genius of Reni’s painting became more accessible to people.

Should not this example be one that we all ought to follow: becoming a reflector of our most high God?

Aspiring to such a goal would be audacious indeed, if it weren’t for the fact God had already put his nature inside us. “By their fruits you shall know them,” Jesus said, conveying confidence in the ability of this fruit to reveal God (Matthew 7:18).

Jesus even gave the world the right to inspect your life and mine and, on that basis, to decide whether or not he was the Messiah (John 17:21-23).

Does this not astound you? He has put the burden of proof on you and on me, on your character and on mine.

                   You are writing a gospel
                       a chapter each day
                   By the things that you do
                       and the words that you say.
                   Men read what you write
                       whether faithless or true
                   Say, what is the Gospel
                       according to you?

There can be a good-news story in our lives, one that is not only respected by others but is also worthy of God!

Of course, being lovely lady or a congenial getleman isn't the same thing as being a reflector of God. Perhaps we can explain the point this way.

In John 15, the Bible talks about fruit (verse 2), more fruit (verse 2) and much fruit (verse 8).

At level 1, fruit, not much of a godly impression is made. In fact, it might take the omniscience of God to find what might only be a “shriveled grape” in you.

At level 2, more fruit (verse 2), a favorable impression is made but only to the extent that others have a favorable view—of you. They see you as being friendly, fun, good-natured, affable, respectable, responsible—but your godliness never crosses their mind.

It's at level 3, much fruit, that the desired result of being a reflector of God manifests, so the Father is glorified (verse 8).

These three levels of fruit relate to the extent one's new nature is released and God is revealed.

The driving dynamics of divine life are those nine parts of the fruit of the spirit—your born-again, recreated spirit—exhibited for all to see. And when people see “much fruit,” they immediately know to whom the credit belongs.

This is what we want: all the glory going to God.

The story is told of Evangeline Booth witnessing on the city streets to a poor, fallen woman. Sensing that she wasn’t being heard, Evangeline, concerned for this woman, leaned over and kissed her.

“She kissed me!” cried the old woman, shocked by such genuine affection. Then, turning to Evangeline, she said, “Talk to me now about a Christ who can make a woman like you. I am ready to listen.”

In Charles Dickens’ great novel, Oliver Twist, Rose Malie, a young woman of splendid character, reaches out to a social outcast named Nancy—dirty in dress, manner, and reputation.

Dickens tells of how the kind tone, the sweet voice, and the gentle manner of Rose dismantled Nancy’s natural defenses in short order.

“Oh, lady, lady!” she cried clasping her hands passionately before her face. “If there was more like you, there would be fewer like me! There would! There would!”

Is this the response coming from others when impacted by your life? Do others see the God of the gospel in you?