If anyone is in Christ… – 2 Corinthians 5:17
If you judge yourself according to the flesh, you’ll always be looking down on others because you see yourself as having more going for you than they do, or you will always be losing heart, because others have more gifts, talents, advantages, and opportunities than you.
Here’s the good news: Jesus Christ does not regard you according to the flesh. Jesus said to the Pharisees, “You judge according to the flesh; I judge no one” (John 8:15). We know from other Scriptures that Jesus will be the judge of every person, “The Father… has given all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22). Jesus is not denying this.
Jesus is saying, “You judge people according to the flesh, but I don’t.” Jesus doesn’t form an opinion about you based on your appearance, ability, age, friends, race, gender, work, home, family, or experience. None of these will make Jesus more or less interested in you. He is not drawn to you because of these things, and these things will not keep Him from you either.
Jesus offers Himself to every person, of every race, with every ability, and from every background. He offers Himself, without partiality, as the living Savior and the reigning Lord. And whoever you are, according to the flesh, He is able to make you a new creation.
“If anyone is in Christ…” That’s what matters, not what you are according to the flesh. What matters more than your appearance, ability, age, friends, race, gender, work, home, family, or experience is that you are in Christ!
Try and describe how you think Jesus sees you.
