Acts 4: 13 “When they observed the boldness of Peter and John……..They were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus.”  This verse of Scripture should pose a question to each of us.  Do those whom you lead (family, work, church and community) recognize that you have been with Jesus?  How will they know?  They will know by your boldness to witness for Christ, by your Christian demeanor, attitudes and actions.  They will know by observing the Fruit of the Spirit in your life.  If they don’t recognize that you have been with Jesus, then you are not living in honor and obedience to him.  This should be a daily observation and way of life for each of us.

I remember a lack of my living this out one Saturday morning in our home several years ago when our daughters were still in high school.  I had a stressful position of leadership and had been through a really tough week.  I was tired, worn out and under sleep deprivation.  My attitude, my words, my behavior and lack of the fruit of the spirit were short and curt.  I then heard one of my daughters ask my wife, “Mom, what’s wrong with Dad this morning?  Is he sick and doesn’t feel okay?”  She had every right to ask this question and the Lord used it to remind me that I had not yet been with Jesus that morning.  When people observe us in any setting, do they see someone who has been with Jesus?  Jesus is what they should be amazed about and recognize in our lives and relationships.  Rather than hearing my children ask, “What’s wrong with Dad?” I would rather hear them say, “I can tell Dad has been with Jesus.”  Inevitably, we become like those with whom we spend time.