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By Rev Don Rivers
We all like it when people recognize us and acknowledge our presence. Think about the difference when you walk into a room of people you know versus walking into a room of people you have never met. We all have a need for people to know who we are. But what is more important is for people to know who Jesus is. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
As we draw closer to Easter and the celebration of the resurrection it is important to understand who Jesus is and why he came. I encourage you to take some time in the next few weeks and ask yourself the same question Jesus posed to his disciples, “who do you say that I am?”
So much of our time in racing is spent trying to establish an identity. This identity can be a number, a sponsor or even a color. When we achieve that recognition and people make that association we have eliminated a degree of anonymity. It is encouraging when people recognize us. In racing we put a significant amount of effort into being recognized.
Let’s see if I am right. Let’s try some word association; say the first thing that comes to your mind. Number eighty-eight, number three, number twenty-four, Napa, Lowes, STP, red, black. Sometimes our identity is so ingrained that it is tagged to something, like Petty blue.
I remember one Sunday morning, during a pit party at Thompson Speedway, Dan and I were talking with multi-time NASCAR champion Mike Stefanik. People were milling around getting autographs and taking pictures but no one interrupted our conversation. In all the commotion we sat there and talked about everything under the sun. Why would a championship driver have so much time on his hands during an autograph session? He was missing something, his car. Mike was seated on the wall without his car to identify him. He made the comment, “I guess I am nothing without my car.”
Another example was one year at Motorsports I watched as people lined up several hours before a NASCAR Cup driver was scheduled to sign autographs. They devoted hours standing in line to get that coveted signature. I thought they must really know this person they are willing to wait hours to talk briefly with him. Then came a true indicator of our identity. The driver had to walk past a large part of this line to get to the place he would be signing. I watched as he walked in plain view and within an arm’s reach of the crowd. They didn’t even notice. Why, because he was dressed in street clothes. He wasn’t dressed in anything that his fans could identify him with. Some thought they recognized him, but they weren’t sure if it was really him.
Would we recognize Christ if we saw Him? Would we know beyond a shadow of a doubt it was Him? Christ asked this question of his disciples,
Mathew 16:13-17; When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.
There are many who cannot identify Jesus. They would find some explanation other than the correct one. Some people don’t want it to be true. If Jesus did come and gave His life for our forgiveness then we have to change. Some would just choose to live the way they want and not be bothered. Let me ask you; do you know who Jesus is?
It might be interesting to look at it this way, would people identify us with Jesus? Do they see the character of Jesus in the way we live our life? Do people see Jesus in us? I have heard it put this way, if being a Christian was a crime would there be enough evidence to convict us?
We have to realize that we may be the only Jesus someone might see. We need to live and represent Jesus in a way that will bring Him glory and praise. I am asking you to look at your life honestly and critique your actions. Who would others identify you with, Jesus or someone else?
Scripture reveals to us what we should look like. We spent our Winter Bible Study on developing the character of God. My favorite way to remember this is to think of a donut box. Let me explain. The owner of Bess Eaton donuts had accepted Christ as his savior and wanted to share that with the world. He decided to have the scripture printed in circles on his donut boxes. Every time I needed to remember whom I should resemble I would remember that donut box. As you might have figured out I did have to visit once in a while and get a new box and of course the boxes come full. As we learned Galatians 5:22-23 reveal the character of Christ.
Galatians 5:22-23… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Representing God in a way that honors His name is a goal for all of us. We have to realize that others are watching and they will associate our words and actions with God. If they see something that isn’t consistent with what God’s Word reveals, right then we become a stumbling block. We cause people to wonder and question who God really is and do I want to have a relationship with Him?
People are always watching the way we handle things, especially adversity. One of the most difficult things for us to do is demonstrate our faith by not allowing the circumstances around us to alter our behavior. We do well to change the atmosphere with support and encouragement. We can help change people’s perspective by reflecting the character of God.
We live our lives always being compared to something or someone. We must make every effort to show the love Jesus has for us to others. I leave you with this challenge; Let others see Jesus in you. Live your life in such a way as to leave no doubt who Jesus is and who you belong to. Who do you say that I am?
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
