My Example Is He

1 Thessalonians 1:4-7 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.  And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

There are several learning style that appeal to people depending upon the situation and their internal "wiring". There is the sheer memorization approach (also know as read, remember, regurgitate.) Your really do not have to understand what was there, just repeat it back. Then there is the emulation approach, which is a more interactive style than the first one (also know as monkey see, monkey do.) and then there is the true learning style that involves comprehension. You are exposed to the materials, you may have an opportunity to have it reinforced through practice under the tutelage of a mentor, and then you are able to go forth with your knowledge and contribute in a meaningful and skilled manner. Each of these styles appeals to all of us at different times in our lives.

This verse in the Casting Crowns song "Glorious Day" sets to words what many strive to do in their lives. Some strive because they feel their actions earn their salvation. Others strive because they know they are saved through Christ's death and resurrection alone. The last is the correct answer of course.  but when we emulate Jesus because it is the right thing to do, what actions are we undertaking. Well, here are a few of the attributes we take on in our lives when we emulate Jesus.


-  Love God
- Worship God
- Pray to God
- Serve God
- Share The Love Of God With Others
- Teach Others Of The Love God Has For Them
- Bear Our Own Cross, Just As Christ Did

Each of these attributes of part of a whole lifestyle that in summary make us the life of a Christian. If you are like me, there are days in my life where remembering to do more than one of these can be difficult. But the thing is this. We can all become better at being Christians by reading (the first learning approach described above) the emulating (monkey see, monkey do) and finally accepting Christ as our mentor to get to the next level in our Christian lifestyle endeavors. It is not an easy task. In truth it is a very difficult task because we rebel against this by nature. We are sinful and selfish which is diametrically opposed to the lifestyle of Christ. It requires constant vigilance and accountability.. But the one thing in our favor is that we are not alone in our efforts. In addition to the many brothers and sisters in Jesus we have in our lives, we are blessed by faith through the Holy Spirit. For if we set out to accomplish all this on our own, we are doomed to failure. Yet when we actively seek the help of God our Father we can be comforted in knowing we will be given the help we need to reach our goal. We can be encouraged by the knowledge that reaching our goal of salvation has already been assured. We are along on the journey to learn, experience, and enjoy. It is like taking the question out of the mind of a runner in a marathon of will they finish or not? The answer is, yes you will finish. And along the way we inspire others just as Jesus has inspired us. That my friends we are doing what we are doing, to bring others along with us to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

PRAYER: Lord we strive t better people. We strive to learn and do. We know we are saved, but we struggle against ourselves, and the world we live in to overcome our own self established barriers. At times these walls we construct seem insurmountable. We despair at our failure to get over the wall. Help us Father to see beyond the wall. Guide us in our efforts, strengthen our resolve. Give us the faith through Your Holy Spirit to do what we need to do. Help us to share Your love with all we encounter so that heaven may be filled with souls. This we ask in the name our Your Son, our Savior. Our example is He. Amen