“The best way to be a Christian is to model the life of Christ. A life inspired by the Holy Spirit’s power, the Father’s wisdom and the Son’s love.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – October 5, 2022
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly beloved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us. Ephesians 5:1-2
The biggest challenge for a Christian is to be a Christian. To be someone who loves and follows Jesus. A frequent excuse of non-believers not becoming believers is the need to see Christians be Christians. Be loving. Be forgiving. Be compassionate. Be kind. Be generous. Be joyful. Be helpful. Be a good neighbor, a good citizen, a good friend, a good family member. Christians who act like Christians are quick to admit their imperfections to their perfect God, to their imperfect community of Christ followers and to imperfect non-Christians. An authentic and attractive Christian life gives life. The gospel is unleashed when Christians are being Christians.
Paul gives a blueprint of how to be a Christian. Writing to followers of Jesus in the hurried city of Ephesus, he outlines a process to be the real deal for God in a godless society. Christian posers in a secular culture are challenged to be genuine followers of Jesus. “Follow God’s example,” Paul says, God’s example to love unconditionally, forgive freely, discipline compassionately. An authentic Christian “walks in the way of love, just as Christ loved” …He served, He healed, He taught, He preached the gospel, He fed, He discipled, He called out religious hypocrisy, He gave up His life for all humans to have life. The best way to be a Christian is to model the life of Christ. A life inspired by the Holy Spirit’s power, the Father’s wisdom and the Son’s love.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord” (Ephesians 5:8-10).
Authenticity begins with an authentic relationship with the Father, Son and Spirit. Being in community with the Holy Trinity develops holy followers of Jesus. You abide in Jesus to be authentic for Jesus…to live a Jesus lifestyle. He was not afraid of the menial, in fact, Jesus embraced ordinary activities. He washed feet, rode donkeys, walked with friends, visited the sick and attended synagogue. Nothing or no one was beneath Jesus, as He was intentional to elevate the status of the “lesser ones”, especially women, the poor and those habitually treated unjustly.
Love is nurtured and flourishes in sweet fellowship with the Father. He listens. He loves. He knows what keeps you up at night and wants you to rest… to enjoy sweet, peaceful sleep. Rest in your secure relationship with the Almighty so you are able to be an influencer of peace on behalf of the Lord of all peace. Yes, contemplate quietly with God the Father to speak boldly for Him.
You are set apart as a saint of God to love and serve in a manner that draws attention to the Lord of all creation. Created beings yearn to know their Creator. Innate in individuals is a genuine desire to know and be known by the Divine One who knows them the best. Every sorrow, He’s acquainted. Every fear, He’s faced. Every pain, He’s healed. Every joy, He celebrates. Unmask your emotions in a vulnerable manner and others will be drawn to your honesty and trust you as approachable…authentic. Be a Christian by deferring your wants to what God and others want. Your authenticity will accelerate an unbeliever’s interest in learning more about Jesus. Be real!
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share…so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:18-19).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I desire to be an authentic follower of Jesus. Show me how to live out of a real, vibrant relationship with you, through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Practice saying out loud to someone safe, what you really feel, and learn how to be healed and experience the lifestyle of Jesus: unhurried, intentional, bold, loving, empathetic.
Related Reading
Proverbs 20:11; 2 Corinthians 6:7-8; Philippians 2:20; 1 Peter 1:7
Worship Resource
Red Rocks Worship: I Just Really Love You
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