Following Jesus
By: Kristen L. McNulty
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In Ephesians chapter 5, we find these verses:
"Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God." (Ephesians 5:1-2)
I don't know how you feel after hearing those verses, but something about them both scares me and comforts me. It scares me because we've got a big example to live up to. We're God's children. We represent the King of kings and Lord of lords. How we represent Him is no small matter and that's scary.
But I also find comfort in those verses because we see that we've got a good example to follow. Christ came here. He walked on our earth. And He showed us how the job is done. We don't need to guess what a life representing God looks like- we've got the perfect example. Now it's up to us to follow it.
Sometimes we make it a lot more complicated than it needs to be. The truth is, we don't need a pastors degree or PhD to follow Jesus. We just need to use our hearts. Love our neighbours. Pray for those who give us trouble. In all things seek peace. Lend a hand to those in need. Passionate pursue a relationship with the God who loves us more than we can ever imagine.
That's the kind of life Jesus pointed us towards and that's the kind of life that we as God's children, need to live.
And the best part about it is we don't need to live this life alone. As soon as we enter into God's family we inherit a big group of brothers and sisters who are on the same journey. We can love each other and support each other. And as we all live our lives as God's children, we watch as our family grows. Because there's nothing that turns an eye upward more than a life lived that reflects the love of Christ.
So let's imitate God in everything we do because we really are His children. And we really are loved.
This devotional was aired as a part of the Making A Difference Christian Radio Show.