Example Living

 I opened my bible app this morning the verse of the day popped up...

"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 NIV

I'm familiar with this verse, but this morning as I skimmed through it I thought, "Wow, if only I could live out all that I've learned or received or heard from Jesus and put it into practice."

Then I remembered, those weren't the words of Jesus. They were the words of the Apostle Paul, a man who once hunted down Christ followers to either put them in prison or kill them. That is, until Jesus revealed Himself to Paul, forgave Paul and changed his life forever. Paul became a believer who spent the rest of his life sharing the gospel and teaching others how to live a life that honors God.

I wondered if I could ever make a statement like that. I mean, could I ever tell someone to put into practice whatever they've learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me? My life is not perfect. My attitudes, habits and thoughts are not always something I'd want others to put into practice. But then, none of us are perfect. 

Neither was Paul. What Paul did was his best to honor God by the way he lived, loved and served others. He did his best to share the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. He just did his best knowing that God was with him.

Can we live that "example" kind of life - a life that honors God and sets an example of true Christianity? 

Only with God's help and doing our best. That's all He asks of us and He is with us to help every step of the way.

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This Little Light of Mine

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."  Matthew 5:16



Image courtesy, Chris, rgbstock.com

We all know that Christians are supposed to let our light shine. Why?  So that our Father in heaven may be glorified, but some times we unintentionally get hung up on the middle phrase of that verse...

"that they may see your good deeds"

I know, I know - none of us mean to do "good deeds" in order to garner praise for ourselves, but admit it...a pat on the back feels good, being recognized for what we do is encouraging. It adds to our self-worth...and that's the trap!

We are supposed to be shining the light so that others see God, not us.

The candle shines, not so that all eyes are drawn to it, but so that the room may be lighted for others.

A good way to stay on track is to remember Colossians 3:23...

" Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord..." (not for the approval or applause of others.)

On the flip-side of that coin, we, as Christians, should keep our eyes focused on God, not the lights (people) that He uses to lead us into a closer walk with Him.

Don't forget what happens to a bug when it is mesmerized by the flame?

So, while we respect and love our spiritual leaders, fixing our eyes on them as our source will only lead to dissappointment, while fixing our eyes on God will lead us into the light of His glorious love.

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(Copyright© 2012 Jan Christiansen. All rights reserved.)