Are you setting a good example for others to follow?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
(1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV))

It is said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. It is also said that the word “Christian” originally was used to refer to someone as a “little Christ,” for they imitated Jesus in all of His actions. In essence, the early Christians were trying to be exactly like Jesus in all things!

Can the same be said of us?

Jesus came into the world to show us how to live. He came into the world to give us an option to the way the world says we should live. He came into the world to overcome the enemy, the thief of our very souls.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
(John 10:10 (NIV))

If we profess a faith in Jesus, we are saying that we believe. We are saying that we accept Him as our personal Lord and Savior. We are saying that we desire to follow Him with all of our heart and with all of our life.

Is that what we are doing? Do our lives lead people to Christ? Do our lives present a good example of what being a follower of Christ truly means?

Preach always. When necessary, use words.
(attributed to St. Francis of Assisi)

Are you setting a good example for others to follow?

Copyright 1998 – 2019 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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Are you eager to do what is good?

Be Still . . .
Devotionals for Daily Living ^©

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.
(Titus 2:11-14 (NIV))

Are you eager to do what is good?

Think about that question for a moment. This means that we are eager to do the right thing in all circumstances and not only when we are among other believers. It means that we live up the title of “Christian” all of the time. Think about that title. Followers of Jesus were given this name by the Romans because of the way that they acted. It literally means “little Christ.” It was meant as a sarcastic label, but the believers took the name as a name of honor.

They took the name with grace. They said “No” to what the Roman world was doing and they were willing to take a stand for what they believed. The were willing to give their lives if necessary. They relied upon the promises of God and the blessed hope of the glorious appearing. They desired to do what was good in the eyes of God no matter what the circumstances.

Today, too many people profess a faith as long as it does not mean that they will be hindered or ridiculed in any way. These type of people are in it only as long as nobody in the other crowd knows that they are Christians. They follow Jesus only when it is convenient. They change their persona as if they were changing a shirt. Their definition of good changes depending on how it fits in with what they need at the moment. They do not possess self-control. They sway with the wind and give in to wickedness.

If someone sarcastically calls you a “Christian,” would you eagerly confirm their sarcasm or would you deny Jesus?

Copyright 1998 – 2014 Dennis J. Smock
Daily Living Ministries, Inc.
http://www.dailylivingministries.org
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