Jesus’ Example
“For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in His steps.” - 1 Peter 2:21
If you want to get closer to God, the best thing you can do is follow the example that Jesus set for us. Think about everything Jesus has done throughout the gospels.
He showed compassion to a Samaritan who was an outcast. He helped a man walk who had been sitting at the pool of Bethesda. He fed 5,000 people, not including the women and the children. Throughout the gospel, Jesus is modeling a life of social impact and transformation in which being a blessing to others is the foundation of His work.
He is not interested in the way of ritual observance. He is not interested in the stale intellectualism of Greek philosophy or knowledge of the Gnostics. He finds the pursuit of pleasure and materialism unfulfilling.
The way to God, the truth about God, and life in God are found in living the way Jesus lived. Jesus said people will know you by the impact you make on others and the circumstances you change.
There is a warning, however: the world doesn’t like people like this. The world doesn’t cheer for people who put aside tribe, party, and process and look for a way to find what unites us rather than what divides us. But don’t worry about that.
If you will focus on living by the example Jesus set for us, others will pay attention. They will notice your impact and your influence will be great. Not because of your rituals, regulations, or religion, but because of the love you display to everyone you come in contact with.
It is what Jesus modeled, and now it’s our turn. Live the example Jesus set before you and watch the impact you have on those around you!
If you want to get closer to God, the best thing you can do is follow the example that Jesus set for us. Think about everything Jesus has done throughout the gospels.
He showed compassion to a Samaritan who was an outcast. He helped a man walk who had been sitting at the pool of Bethesda. He fed 5,000 people, not including the women and the children. Throughout the gospel, Jesus is modeling a life of social impact and transformation in which being a blessing to others is the foundation of His work.
He is not interested in the way of ritual observance. He is not interested in the stale intellectualism of Greek philosophy or knowledge of the Gnostics. He finds the pursuit of pleasure and materialism unfulfilling.
The way to God, the truth about God, and life in God are found in living the way Jesus lived. Jesus said people will know you by the impact you make on others and the circumstances you change.
There is a warning, however: the world doesn’t like people like this. The world doesn’t cheer for people who put aside tribe, party, and process and look for a way to find what unites us rather than what divides us. But don’t worry about that.
If you will focus on living by the example Jesus set for us, others will pay attention. They will notice your impact and your influence will be great. Not because of your rituals, regulations, or religion, but because of the love you display to everyone you come in contact with.
It is what Jesus modeled, and now it’s our turn. Live the example Jesus set before you and watch the impact you have on those around you!
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