“He that says that he abides in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” 1 John 2:6
On a recent morning walk, I happened upon a truck proclaiming a statement that caught my eye. It was a quote from Gandhi. I paused to take a quick photo with my cell phone and as I continued on my way, I pondered what I had just read. What was the owner of the truck trying to say? Is there truth to it?
I Like your Christ.
I do not like your Christians.
They are so unlike your Christ.
Gandhi
Remember in elementary school when you would go on field trips and your teachers would tell you to behave because you were representing the school? If your class misbehaved at the museum, the museum employees would think your school is full of children who misbehave.
Well, the same in true of everything in life. Wherever you go, whatever you do, you are always representing everything you associate yourself with. You represent your school, your employer, your group of friends, your family. And as followers of Christ, we represent Christ.
Does the way you represent Christ push others towards Him or away from Him? Why is it that Christians are not more like our Christ? There are some who genuinely strive for that, but there are others who want salvation and nothing more. Scriptures call us to imitate Jesus, to obey Him, and to live the way He lived.
Paul lived a life to reflect the Christ he professed. In writing to the Ephesians, he said, “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (Ephesians 5:1-2) Paul reminds us to put off our old self, which belongs to our former manner of life which is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of our minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Radical obedience to Christ is not easy… It’s not comfort, not health, not wealth, and not prosperity in this world. Radical obedience to Christ risks losing all these things. But in the end, such risk finds its reward in Christ. And he is more than enough for us.
How about you? What kind of statement does your conduct in the world say about your faith….. your Jesus? Do you live on Monday what you are taught on Sunday? Remember you may be the only Gospel that many people will ever read. Actions speak louder than words. Don’t risk being unlike your Christ. Someone’s eternal life may be determined by it.
by John Grant
Used by Permission
John Grant is a former Florida State Senator and is a practicing attorney
FURTHER READING
• The Walk of Obedience – by Mary Pinckney
• Blessed Obedience – by Ideletter McVicker
• God Requires Risky Obedience – by Jon Walker
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