2 minute read.
Daily Reading: 1 Kings 11 GW; 1 Corinthians 11 GW
Jesus led by example.
During Jesus’s earthly ministry, he set the bar for us. Jesus went first in all things. He loved us, forgave us, and died for us. We are to imitate Jesus’s actions so that others may know Him. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul clarifies: we are to become imitators of Christ.
As a lifelong Christ-follower, I feel like I live in a fishbowl sometimes. Friends and family watch my actions, looking for ways I falter in following Jesus. And I do, every day in a million different ways. But I don’t stop trying. Instead, I trust even in my imperfections; God will use them for His glory:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV)
Embrace the fishbowl.
Actions speak louder than words. People watch what you do more than they listen to what you say.
One of my favorite things to do is pay for someone’s meal/drink at a drive-through window. I love blessing someone I don’t know and who doesn’t know me. At Starbucks a few years ago, I paid the bill for the car behind me. The cute barista’s face broke into a smile when I told her my plan. She said, “I love when people do this because it begins a chain reaction.” What happens is the next car pays for the next person, etc. The beaming teenager told me her favorite part is counting how many vehicles keep it going.
People watch what you do. Make your actions have eternal consequences. Imitate Jesus in your response to the world around you. See how it changes not only you but those you influence.
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Lord, how thankful we are You went first in all things. Thank You for the example Jesus set for us to follow. Forgive our faltering as we try to imitate Jesus. Help us embrace the fishbowl we live in today. Let us become imitators in Christ as we lead with love and forgiveness, not only for others but ourselves as well. Our imperfections will never match Christ’s perfection, but we trust that You will use our fumblings for Your good. IJNIP. Amen
Question for reflection
How are you imitating Christ today?
