Follow me as I follow Christ
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” 1 Corinthians 11:1
Mahatma Gandhi once said, “If Christians lived according to their faith, there would be no more Hindus left in India.” It is said that this famous man of peace was captivated with the thought of knowing Jesus Christ. But it is said that when he met Christians, he felt let down by their example. Wow! Unfortunately, many people, like Gandhi, are attracted by the life and teachings of Jesus but are often disappointed when they meet Jesus’ followers.
Paul reminded the Christians at Corinth that “you are a letter from Christ, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stones but on tablets of human hearts.” (2 Corinthians 3:3) Evangelist, Dwight L Moody, said “Of one hundred men, one will read the Bible; the nine-nine will read the Christian.” And so goes the challenge, when someone meets us for the very first time, what do they think of us? Do we disappoint them or do we lead them towards Christ?
As Christians we should have Godly morals and values. Our words and our actions should represent Christ….but is that always the case? And is just being interpreted as a good and honest person enough to lead someone to Christ? Paul tells believers in 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 that they should be “imitators of us and of our Lord’s” The believers testimony was so strong it says that “The Lord’s message “rang out” from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, your faith in God has become lunesta vs ambien know everywhere.”
God has been challenging me recently that my impression on people should be something more than just being a “good and honest” person. I ask myself, when people meet me do they sense that my kind actions are really the reflection of God’s unconditional love in my life or just the reflection of a good and moral upbringing?
For most Christians, myself included, it is difficult to take that extra step and let people know that the difference in us is Jesus. Most times we struggle with what will happen after the initial invitation. Will they still like us after they know we are a Christian or will they reject us? And perhaps even more so, are we willing to invest ourselves into them once we present them to Jesus? Sometimes it is just easier to be nice and hope that they will figure it out on their own. But the fact of the matter is, is that it was the agape love of Jesus that set us free.
Today, just as in ancient times, we are the living message of a living savior. Challenge yourself today to really think about what people observe about you when they first meet you. Are you a “living letter read by everyone”? The apostle Paul understood how important it was to represent Christ. Whether you are a minister, a pastor’s wife or a member of a local church, is your life worthy of imitation?
“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9
I love your messages. I preached this one this morning at “The Journey”
Comment by Mike Truitt — March 6, 2011 @ 2:30 pm |Where I pastor.I am new to your website & want to ck.you out. If you are affiliated w/the A/G I feel save.