“Christ . . is your example; follow in His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 NLT
“Everybody is following something or someone to somewhere.”
My thoughts today are about “an example, not exception.”
Everyone needs an example to follow. I have two questions: whose example are you following, and where is that taking you? Some follow celebrities and sports stars; some follow the latest fashions, cultural trends, or technology; some follow the crowd; some follow their friends or peers; a few follow their own drumbeat. But everybody is following something or someone to somewhere. Who, what, and where that is have everything to do with how your journey will be and where you will finish.
In college, a professor required me to read a simple, small book that impacted my life and ministry, more than might have been without it, less than I wish I had allowed it. That book, “In His Steps,” was a story by Charles M. Sheldon, a pastor of Central Congregational Church in Topeka, Kansas, written in 1896 about a mid-western church of self satisfied congregants who are challenged to live their lives for one year asking, “What would Jesus do?” It is reported that the book has sold 30 million copies.
Stated in the simplest of terms, here is the how you experience the best that life can offer. Follow Jesus; you will have no regrets and make no wrong turns. That is not a part time job, or something that you can do when it is convenient to your schedule. Jesus frequent invitation was as simple as this, “Come, follow Me!” Mark 1:17. To follow His example successfully you will have to know Him well, learn and follow His ways, watch Him constantly, listen closely, and obey Him consistently.
Unavoidably, there is an exclusivity in following Jesus. Jesus said, “(My) sheep follow Me because they know My voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice . . My sheep listen to My voice: I know them, and they follow Me.” John 10:4-5/27-28 NIV. Following in His steps is not a casual, carefree stroll; it is a disciplined commitment. “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Luke 9:23 NIV. It is not an easy path to which you are called. The path is for you as it was for Jesus – self denial and sacrifice, but joyously given. His was for your salvation; your self denial and sacrifice is because of your salvation. “Christ . . is your example. Follow in His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 NLT.
Here is what I have found in my efforts to follow in Jesus’ steps: accomplishing that is more likely when I surround myself with others whose heart and intent is to be true followers of Jesus. There will always be times when you will need their encouragement to keep following when it’s difficult to do so, and you will need their loving correction when you are tempted to do otherwise. “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.” Read Romans 15:5-7 NIV.
Now, there is also the matter of your own example. Be an example, not an exception! Are you an exception to Christ’s example, or a faithful example of His? What example are you setting for others’ encouragement in Christ? The Apostle Paul was confident and crystal clear to say, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV. Here are the practical ways your example should be seen: “in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV. Can others safely follow you? They can, if you are following Jesus.
My prayer for you today is to walk with God, every step, everywhere, every day.