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Imitate me?
Someone recently told me that they’d read my “Our Story” series and felt like it had helped them to know me better. That’s a little scary, in all honesty – to think that my blog helps introduce people to me. I’d certainly like the opportunity to make a better first impression… However, the more I considered it, the more I’m resolved to continue blogging.
For regular readers, friends and family, you all know that I’m extremely ordinary. I’ve got hangups, compulsions, bumps and bruises just like all of you. Yes, I’m a pastor, but no, I’m not perfect.
However, there’s someone I know who is perfect, and my earnest desire is for you to meet him. He’s why I blog, preach, design, laugh, play Xbox, fantasy football, and breathe. He has given me Life, and I’d love for my example to help nudge someone else closer to discovering a joy-filled relationship with Jesus Christ.
After visiting with the friend mentioned above, I realized afresh how humbling it is to know that there might actually be a few people watching your life. Many times, we as Christians do not embrace the influence God has given us to use it for His glory. We’re all going to influence people all the time. Question is: How?
In the New Testament, it’s presumed that Christian leaders sought to follow Christ and that others would be following them. For instance, Paul was able to say, “Therefore I urge you to imitate me.” (2 Corinthians 4.16) Wow! He was so confident of his “way of life in Christ Jesus,” (v17) that he instructed those in the church to watch him.
The writer of Hebrews also said that we should be able to “to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” (Hebrews 6.12) In Hebrews 13.7, the author repeats this encouragement by saying, “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”
How does this make you feel? If you’re like me, then it’s extremely challenging and humbling. Here’s to living life transparently, lovingly, and genuinely. It can only be done that way in Christ.
May 2008 be a year of our lives worth imitating by others.
I love this! Alan and I were talking the other day about something that was similar to this subject. So here’s to living our lives worth imitiating!!! I think the key word here is WORTH because if you are just going through the motions of Christianity than where’s the worth in that? ( I hope that makes sense )
Linda’s last blog post..Step Aside Martha Stewart…..
I love this blog! And when are you going to finish “Our Story”?
Great post! Scary to think that people watch and look up to other people as much as they do. A youth pastor told my youth group many a years ago that, “… if you put your faith in people, they’ll disappoint you 100% of the time.” Meaning put your faith and trust in Christ because he’s the only perfect being there is. He can never let us down. On this subject though, a good friend of mine that’s having some deep personal struggles in her life at the moment recently said to me, “You just don’t understand.. your life is… Read more »
Great comments, Mandy. I always heard the old adage, “You never know who’s watching…” and it’s so true. Now that we are sincerely seeking to follow Christ, it’s all the more important.
We don’t want to live just a “good” life. We want to live one that is captivatingly Christian.
Mom… I think I’ll do an “Our Story” entry sometime this week…