Want to listen to this post instead of reading? Play the audio recording below.
Let’s face it, it is easy to take for granted, or perhaps not even consider, the power we have to influence others. Our habits, our behaviors, the way we treat people, and so on, should all be a reflection of our walk with the Lord.
1 John 2:5-6 (NIV) states: But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.
As believers, our lives should be a reflection of the walk that Jesus walked out in human form here on this earth. Jesus’ life here on earth was a walk that was in every way a walk that showed his love for the Father. A walk that in every way showed His obedience to the Father. A walk that in every way showed His reliance on the Father. Let’s look to the scriptures to learn more.
- Jesus was tempted but yet did not sin – Hebrews 4:15 (NIV) states: For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our
weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. - Jesus pursued God’s Will – John 6:38 (NIV) states: For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.
- Jesus glorified God in doing what God wanted Him to do – John 17:4 (NIV) states: I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.
The reality is that we live in a sinful and fallen world. But as children of God, we cannot blend in with that which is sinful and fallen about this world. We must conduct ourselves as Jesus did. We must resist the temptation to sin. We must pursue God’s Will. And we must glorify God by doing what God wants us to do.
As believers, we are called to influence the world. We are called to be different. And we are called to make a difference. The only way this is possible is if we are following Jesus’ example. But on our own, we really do not have what it takes to follow Jesus’ example consistently every day. We need the Holy Spirit to guide us and show us the way.
John 14:26 (NIV) states: But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
Let us allow the Holy Spirit to show us how to resist the temptations of this world and live as Jesus did.
Let us allow the Holy Spirit to show us how to follow Jesus’ example so we can live lives that bring glory to God.
Luke 9:23-24 (NIV) states: Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.
Except where indicated, scripture references are from the American Standard Version (ASV), Darby Translation (DARBY), or King James Version (KJV) – all public domains.
