What Others See

Leila Morris spent much of her life in active church work. Born in Ohio on this day in 1862, she also wrote more than a thousand hymns and spiritual songs, even composing when her eyesight began to fail.

In 1917, burdened by the need for a stronger Christian witness, she wrote a hymn, called “Can the World See Jesus in You?” Here, she asked a series of questions. First, she asked herself, “Can the world see Jesus in me?” Then, she turned to other Christians: “Can the world see Jesus in you?” She is asking others to examine how pure their witness is and how persuasive their lives are.

She recognized that we can’t change without spending time alone with Jesus. She asked, “Do we live so close to the Lord today” that the world can see a likeness of Him?

She knew how easily we can be busy and fail to show the love of Christ. She asked whether we really love those who are “lost in the mire of sin.” Are we willing to reach out to touch lives whatever the cost?

We need to realize that our lives are like an open book. As others watch us and listen to our words will they be attracted to or turn away from the Gospel? When others look at your life, do they see Jesus? Surrender everything to Him. Make your life count for His Kingdom.