Following His Example
My friend Chris's house is somewhat of an
oddity in Arizona -- he has a lawn in his backyard. Most of us have rock,
gravel, fake grass, or some other yard covering, as it's easier to take care
of in the blazing hot summers. But Chris likes the heat and doesn't mind
having to mow his yard. However, his lawnmower is old and cranky --
literally. It requires many pulls on the cord to start the engine.
One day, as Chris was cranking away, he noticed
his young son playing nearby with his toy plastic lawnmower. To Chris's
surprise, his son was repeatedly pulling on an imaginary cord, faithfully
imitating his father. Chris was amused, but then, he started thinking about
all the other ways that his son could and did imitate him. What was he
absorbing each day from his father's speech, patterns of behaviour, or
activities? It was a sobering lesson.
"Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved
children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself
up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Ephesians 5:1-2
NIV)
"But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is
truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever
claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." (1 John 2:5-6 NIV)
When we were young, most of us wanted to obey our
parents' commands and imitate their actions. Even as adults, we may find
ourselves doing or saying something and thinking, "Oh, my, that's just like
my mother (or father)." But because we are human and imperfect, we weren't
always successful in our efforts to obey or imitate, and they weren't always
good examples. Thankfully, we are blessed with a Father who sets a perfect
example for us. Are we using His life as a pattern for ours? Are we, as the
Scripture says, living as Jesus did? Are we acting like dearly loved
children?
A search of various websites yields lists of more
than 100 verses that entreat us to follow Christ's example. We are told to
have the same mindset as Christ, to keep His commands, to imitate Him, to
love others as He loved us (and others), to be kindhearted, and to forgive
as Christ forgave us.
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is
noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
admirable -- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -- think about such
things." (Philippians 4:8 NIV)
This is one of my favourite verses. It's not
always easy to live as Jesus did, but if we focus on these eight ideals as
we go through our day, we have a better chance of looking and acting like
God's child.
Prayer: Father, give us the strength to focus on
You, to remember that we are Your dearly loved children. We want to act like
You, but sometimes, it's hard. Give us the strength and resolve to follow
Your example and to love others as You love us. Thank You, Father. Amen.
Sharon
Cook
Apache Junction, Arizona, USA
Reprinted from the
PresbyCan
Daily Devotional with the author's
permission
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.