In Acts 4 we find the religious leaders disturbed by the preaching of Peter and John (:1-2). We also find them amazed: “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled” (:13). They come to a conclusion about these men: “They realized that they had been with Jesus.”
What an honor to be recognized as one who had been with Jesus! Do people recognize us as being with Jesus? While it is true that we cannot be with Him in a physical sense like Peter and John, we can live in such a way that others can see we are with Him spiritually.
Do we demonstrate being with Jesus by our boldness for Him? Some people are more concerned about being “politically correct” than standing boldly with Jesus. We may find ourselves outnumbered if we speak out against homosexuality, unscriptural divorce and remarriage, religious error, and other such things; but His disciples in the first century let it be known that they stood with Him by standing against them (Romans 1:18-32; 7:1-2; 16:17; etc.). Do we demonstrate being with Jesus by the things we flee? When we live our lives after the will of God, we no longer pursue the sinful pleasures of this world (1 Peter 4:1-3). This may not always sit well with those of the world. “In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you” (:4). Do others see us as running with the world or with Jesus? Do we engage in the same immoral behavior and imbibe the same ungodly entertainment, or do we demonstrate Christ living in us by avoiding such things?
Do we demonstrate being with Jesus by the things we do? Someone has asked the sobering question, “If you were tried for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” Jesus says, “Let you light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Are we doing the good works that cause others to realize we are with Jesus?
Do we demonstrate being with Jesus by the peace we enjoy? Many people in the world, especially here in the United States, are in a state of paranoia following the recent terrorist attacks. Some seem to stay in such a state. If we are with Jesus, we will demonstrate it by the absence of anxiety the presence of peace in our lives (Philippians 4:6-7). As the saying goes, “No Jesus, no peace. Know Jesus, know peace.” Jesus gives us two options: “He who is not with Me is against Me” (Matthew 12:30). Which do you demonstrate? Are you with Jesus?
Troy Nicholson