Jesus has asked us to BE an example. He wants us to set an example for others. Throughout the Bible, setting an example is stressed as an important element of discipleship.
“Take my yoke upon you’ (Matthew 11:29) Jesus told His followers to learn from His example of gentleness and humility. What heavy burdens are we carrying…
1. sin
2. excessive demands upon our lives
3. oppression and persecution
4. weariness in the search of God
Jesus frees us from all these burdens. He promises rest, not the end of all labour. He promises love, healing and the peace of God. Connecting with God, through a relationship with God, changes meaningless, wearisome toil into spiritual productivity and purpose. Try it!
“…Pattern your lives after mine and learn from those who follow our example.” (Philippians 3:17) Paul urges believers to follow His example of enthusiasm, perserverance and maturity. He challenges us to pursue Christlikeness by following his pattern and example. How about our patterns and examples?
As Paul focused his life of being like Christ, so should they, and so should we. The fact that Paul could tell people to follow his example is a testimony of his character. Can we do the same? What sort of a person would someone be if they chose to imitate us?
“You imitated both us and the Lord…..You have become an example.” (I Thessalonians 1:6-7) We need to be trained in discipleship and even in suffering, Instead of asking ‘Why me’, we should be asking, ‘Why not me”?
Our faith and the values of this world are on a collision course. Take comfort in that Jesus suffered, so why shouldn’t we? He understands our weaknesses, our fears and our disappointments. He promises to never leave us and He intercedes on our behalf. So in times of pain, persecution or suffering, please trust confidently in Jesus.
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)
How many of us can say this comfortably? It’s a statement we will run away from but I am hoping today we will change our minds and try living more and more like Christ daily. We must show Christ to the world by our example. Be the visible image of our invisible God. People (pre-believers) should be able to see Christ in us and be drawn to what they see, and want what we have, which is preservation from destruction (salvation).
So here’s the thing, what kind of example are we?
Really!? What kind of examples are we setting
at home,
at Church,
at school,
in our community?