Kissed by the Sun

This will continue until we are united by our faith and by our understanding of the Son of God. Then we will be mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him. (Ephesians 4:13 CEV)

On July 16^th, my husband and I celebrated our six year anniversary. For my gift, he took me on a four day cruise to the Bahamas. Only a handful of people knew our secret destination but upon my return it was very evident to everyone that I had been somewhere. Once I returned to work, everyone I encountered immediately exclaimed, “You really got a tan; where have you been?” As a writer, it was only natural that I came up with a creative and quirky response. So each time someone inquired, I smiled and said, “Yes, I’ve been kissed by the sun! (And oh yeah, we went to the Bahamas!)”

The fact that I had been on vacation on the beautiful, sunny beaches of the Bahamas was literally written all over my face. I had spent time in the sun and it showed. Likewise, when we have spent time with the Son, it should show! When you’ve had an encounter with Jesus, people around you should know without a shadow of a doubt.

…What we know is that when Christ is openly revealed, we’ll see him—and in seeing him, become like him… (1 John 3:2 MSG)

This revelation led me to do a self-evaluation. What notable transitions have taken place in my life since I have been on this Christian journey? Since my encounter with Jesus has my attitude changed? Am I more patient? Do I smile more? Do I love harder? Am I more forgiving? Am I less selfish and more selfless? What about me says that I have been kissed by the Son?

Ironically, being kissed by the Son has a drastically different effect than being kissed by the sun. While my sun-kissed skin was noticeably darker, my Son-kissed life should be remarkably brighter. “And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 MSG) When people come into my presence is there a certain glow that is ever present suggesting that I have unspeakable joy? Is anyone in my life wondering, “Where has she been and who has she been with because she is really brighter?”

Dear Daddy,

Please help me to recognize the areas of my life that may not exemplify that I have spent time Jesus. Help me to correct those things so that everyone I encounter will be able to see that I have spent time with the Son. May they see less of me and more of You. If they don’t know Jesus personally, I pray that my life be a living sermon, spreading the Gospel to the unsaved. May our relationship grow so deep that my old fleshy ways no longer rise to the surface. I am just interested in becoming more and more like You every day! In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

Ladies, today I EMPOWER you to do a self-examination and determine if your life exemplifies that you’ve had an encounter with Jesus.  If you cannot answer yes, choose to make a change TODAY! If you can answer yes in some areas but not all, choose to make a change TODAY! It doesn’t matter if you have been with Jesus for 10 years or 10 minutes; it should be apparent that you have been kissed by the Son, as your complexion should be brighter!

Mrs. Kristen Harris is a wife, mother, entrepreneur and dedicated servant.  She is extremely passionate about women’s spiritual advancement, hence the founding of EmpowerMoments.  As an avid reader, Kristen enjoys reading the Bible more than anything. Her driving inspiration is when God says to her: “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  (Jeremiah 29:11) She currently resides outside of Chicago, Illinois with her wonderful husband and two lovely daughters where she is an active member of New Life Covenant Church.