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You Don’t Know Me Like That: Seeing Through Spirit, Not Flesh

 

You Don’t Know Me Like That

“So, from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.” — 2 Corinthians 5:16

In today's text, 2 Corinthians 5:16, Paul challenges the church at Corinth to change their perspective — to shift their point of view. He says, "Look at no one from a worldly perspective." Paul reminds them that they once viewed Jesus this way, but they no longer do.

As long as we see people through a worldly lens, we remain limited. We fail to recognize the full essence of who people are and the divine potential they possess. Viewing others through an earthly, human, natural perspective keeps us from truly seeing them.

Paul explains that many people once looked at Jesus this way. They could not receive Him as the Messiah because they only saw Him as Mary’s son — Joseph’s son, the carpenter’s son. Many could not recognize His purpose, redemption, reconciliation, or the restoration He brought because they focused on the fact that He was from Nazareth.

"Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" they asked.

But now, Paul declares, we no longer look at Jesus from an earthly perspective. We see that He moved from being known as Jesus to Jesus Christ, and from Christ Jesus to the Exalted One. God has given Him a name above every name, so that at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory and honor of God the Father.

We See Jesus Differently

We now see Jesus as our Way-Shower, Savior, Christ, Lord of lords, King of kings, and God of gods. That same Jesus whom they crucified, God has made both Lord and Christ.

And just as we see Jesus differently, we must also start seeing ourselves differently. We must recognize that:

  • We are made in the image of God.
  • We carry divine potential.
  • We bear the likeness of God right now.

When we change how we see Jesus and ourselves, we naturally change how we see everyone, everywhere, and everything.

Individuality vs. Personality

The personality is where limitations and differences exist. Individuality, however, is the unique expression of God that each person embodies.

I choose to focus on your individuality, not your personality. When we focus on personality, we encounter conflicts and clashes. But when we see individuality, we recognize:

  • Every man is my brother.
  • Every woman is my sister.
  • Every child is my child.
  • Every person is my sibling.

We are all expressions of God. I see you as an individual — not as a sum of personality traits or issues. People can barely manage the complexities of their own personalities, let alone others'. That’s why we must focus on individuality: seeing people as spiritual beings.

Progress vs. Problems

Instead of focusing on people’s problems, let’s start seeing their progress and process.

Often, when someone asks, "How are you?" they are simply greeting you — not asking for a full report of your struggles. Most people cannot carry the weight of all your problems. That’s why the Bible says:

“Cast all your cares upon God, for He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7

Only a few people — like your spouse, close friends, or intimate family — can truly handle the full depth of your personality. The average person cannot. They need to hear about your process and progress, not just your problems.

Remember: God, who began a good work in you, will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6).

Oil vs. Idiosyncrasies

I don't need to know all your quirks, pet peeves, or private struggles to recognize your divine essence. That’s not my business. What matters is your:

  • Spiritual oil
  • Gifts
  • Talents
  • Skills
  • Sensitivity to God

We spend too much energy getting to know people "after the flesh" and not enough energy recognizing them "after the Spirit." Make spiritual connections with people. See them after the Spirit, not after the flesh.

I Am Not Focused On:

  • Age
  • Race
  • Gender
  • Orientation
  • Education
  • Socioeconomic status
  • Criminal background
  • Credit history
  • Family dynamics

I don’t need to know you like that — and you don’t need to know me like that.

What matters is that we see each other from a spiritual perspective.

You Don’t Know Me Like That! (2 Corinthians 5:16)

Three Key Shifts:

  • Individuality vs. Personality
  • Progress vs. Problems
  • Oil vs. Idiosyncrasies

Reflection:

✍🏽 List one thing that God has called you to do.

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Location: Baltimore, MD, USA

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