Scripture: John 1:47-48
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”
Character counts! Your character is critically important in every aspect of your life and witness as a Christian. When applying for a job, applying for admission to a college, applying for a security clearance and other endeavors you must have people who will attest to your good character at-a-glance. When you accept Jesus as your Savior and believe on His name, He begins a process of changing your character and nature to be like His. He literally infuses you with His nature so that people begin to take notice of His character in you. This inner process is called regeneration or spiritual transformation. He wants your character be like His. He wants the fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) to be evidence in your life.
John 1 describes Jesus calling Philip as His disciple and in Philip’s excitement at meeting the Savior he calls his friend Nathanael to introduce him to Jesus. The Savior immediately noticed Nathanael approaching Him and speaks about his excellent character saying: “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” Shocked and amazed at the recognition from the Savior, Nathanael responded to Jesus by asking Him: “How do You know me?” Jesus responded: “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”
At a distance, Jesus took notice of Nathanael because of the purity of his character and nature. At-a-glance, Jesus discerned that there was no deceit in his heart. Jesus had given Nathanael an eternal character reference!
Does Jesus recognize you Christ-like character at-a-glance? Are you living a life of Christ-like character? Does your character reflect Christ even when you face adversity? Are you guarding your heart against evil?
Make a decision to confess, repent of your sins, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform your character to be more like Christ’s.
It’s Time to Pray: Lord Jesus, I desire you to transform my character to your nature so that you will attest to my character at-a-glance… In Jesus name, Amen!
