Set The Example

When Paul wrote to the Corinthians, the gospel accounts of Jesus had
not yet been written. Most believers didn't know many details of
Jesus' life, so it was difficult to encourage by saying to live as
Jesus would live. Instead, Paul led others to Jesus through the
example he demonstrated in his own life.

1 Corinthians 11:1
"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."

In setting the example, Paul certainly didn't claim to be
perfect. He would be the first to stand up and say; "What a wretched
man I am!" (Romans 7:24). Though Paul wrote and preached on how to
live the Christian life, he still admitted his imperfections; "Not
that I have already obtained all this, or have been made perfect, but
I press on to take hold of that which Christ Jesus took hold of me"
(Philippians 3:12).

And yet, Paul also knew he was a child of God and was willing to
place his life in open view for others to examine and imitate;
"Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in
me - put it into practice" (Philippians 4:9).

When we claim to follow Jesus, the world takes notice - whether we
like it or not. We may not feel we are witnessing, but for many
people we're the only view of Jesus they will ever see and the only
words of Jesus they will ever hear. We may not realize it, but the
way we live cries out: "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."

Do we want others to put into practice what they see in us? Would
our example cause others to be drawn closer to God or to drift
further away? Do we follow Jesus' command to love one another so
that, "By this all men will know you are My disciples" (John
13:35)? This is a huge responsibility and one we must not assume is
only for the "Super-Christian."

A good friend of mine had an "I Love Jesus" sticker on his car. One
day, as he sped in and out of traffic, he realized his driving was
not setting a good Christian example. He solved this "problem" by
removing the sticker. Rather than modify an area of his life, my
friend removed his public identification with Jesus; this is very sad!

We cannot remove the "I Love Jesus" stickers from our life. The
world is watching and we must be bold enough to stand and accept the
accountability. We need men and women of strength and character -
Brothers and Sisters who love one another and love the Lord with all
their heart, soul, mind, and strength! I urge you to fall more in
love with Jesus Christ and be among those who commit to live a life
that brings glory and honor to God in ALL you do. Others are ready
to follow. Let's be bold and direct them to Christ as we set the example.

Have a Great Day!

Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries

*****************************************************
Archive of previous devotions : http://www.gdwm.org/archive07.htm

Subscribe/Unsubscribe by email to closerwalk@gdwm.org
Subscribe via web: http://www.gdwm.org/subscribe.htm

Feedback and Prayer: http://gdwmboard.org/6/ubb.x
Send Invitation: http://www.gdwm.org/invite.htm
Verses and Psalms: http://www.gdwm.org/verses
Spanish Devotions: http://www.gdwm.org/spanish

Mail from GDWM is only sent to those who subscribe (free of cost) or
by invitation from friends. Please unsubscribe if these messages are
no longer desired. We absolutely do not support unsolicited E-mail.

Scripture references: The Holy Bible: New International Version.
Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society.

God's Daily Word Ministries
P.O. Box 190
Lorena, TX 76655
*****************************************************