Mahatma Gandhi once said, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” He is not alone, and his comments speak to the crisis of formation in the Christian church.

Since our vision is to see everyone formed into the image of Christ in work, at work, and through work we should ask, “Who is this Christ? What is the aim of our formation? And where is the disconnect?”

The letter to the Hebrews begins, “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being… ” (Heb 1:1-3 NIV) And Paul writes to his friends in Colossae, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form” (Col 2:9 NIV).

Jesus is not a new revelation of God or one revelation of God among many revelations. He is the exact revelation…the clearest picture we can have of God. He surpasses all other revelations that God has given. Jesus reveals a God who loves His enemies and prays for those who persecute Him, who picked up His cross, who blesses those who curse Him, who draws close to us when we are at our ugliest, whose victory comes through loving surrender.

John’s gospel points us to the pinnacle of God’s revelation in Christ. In John 12, Jesus talks about being “lifted up,” referring to the way he would die and the act in which he will draw all people to himself. Then in the next chapter, right after Judas leaves the last supper, in anticipation of his own death, Jesus says, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in him.” (13:31 NIV) The most accurate picture we get of God is Jesus on the cross.

Here begins the disconnect between our Christ and our formation:

• -When the Son is not the lens we read the rest of scripture through.
• -When the aim of our formation is not the crucified Christ.

If these two foundational truths are overlooked, the potential to make God in our own image is endless, complete with biblical references.

I have long said, “Our biggest challenge at Workmatters is helping ascending leaders follow a descending Lord.” The Christ who is crucified is still a stumbling block to some, foolishness to others, but to us “it is the power of God.” (1 Cor 1:18 NIV)

As you ponder the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus this Holy Week, I challenge you to consider what it looks like to carry your cross into your workplace. How is He inviting you die? What would He like you to sacrifice? When you tend, you “push your way to the front and sweet-talk your way to the top.” (Phil 2:3 MSG).