August - Christian Example
Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church. Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change. As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, “You’d better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.” Then he thought, “Oh, forget it, it’s only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a gift from God and keep quiet.”
When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, “Here, you gave me too much change.” The driver, with a smile, replied, “Aren’t you the new preacher in town? I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I’ll see you at church on Sunday.”
When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, “I almost sold your Son for a quarter.”
Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read.
7 in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, 8 sound in speech which is beyond reproach, in order that the opponent may be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.
-Titus 2:7-8
Paul mentions some characterizations that Titus and the young Christians should demonstrate. Christians must live what they preach.
16 I exhort you therefore, be imitators of me.
-1 Corinthians 4:16 (I Corinthians 11:1)
Paul urges the Corinthians to try to be like him because he is emulating Christ in his actions. The word of God teaches that we are to follow Christ in his gentleness, in his bearing of the cross, and in his offering himself for us.
5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,
-Philippians 2:5-7
Paul encouraged the Philippians to live in harmony and unity, and to have the unselfish and humble attitude in which Jesus displayed. Jesus was the example not only by his actions, but also in his attitudes and motives. Paul was stressing the humbleness and helpfulness of Jesus, which he wanted the Philippians to follow.
15 “For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.
-John 13:13-15
Jesus teaches an inner attitude, that of humility and an eagerness to serve others. It was common custom to wash others’ feet when they came into your home, due to open sandals and dusty streets. The lesson of this foot washing was the need for disciples to be willing to render humble service, whatever it may be.
12 like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation
-1 Peter 2:2
Babes must have milk to grow. Likewise, Christians must long for the word of God as a babe longs for milk. One must go by the word of God and it alone. When one continues to study the word of God and obeys its teachings, the result will be spiritual growth that results in eternal salvation.
38 “And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
-Matthew 10:38
When a man was sentenced to die by crucifixion, he was compelled to carry his own cross to the place of execution. Bearing a cross after Jesus thus became a symbol of willingness to endure pain, shame, and persecution for his sake and in his cause. For one to bear his cross and follow Jesus a Christian must be willing to accept whatever consequences come from following Jesus. It could be persecution, ridicule, loss of a job, rejection of friends and/or even family. Jesus bore his cross which was crucifixion. We as Christians do not have the same cross to bear, but every Christian has a cross to bear.
Thomas Shepherd wrote:
Must Jesus bear the cross alone,
And all the world go free?
No, there’s a cross for everyone,
And there’s a cross for me
How happy are the saints above,
Who once went sorr’wing here!
But now they taste unmingled love,
And joy without a tear.
The consecrated cross I’ll bear
Till death shall set me free;
And then go home my crown to wear,
For there’s a crown for me.
Upon the crystal pavement down
At Jesus’ pierced feet,
Joyful I’ll cast my golden crown
And His dear Name repeat.
O precious cross! O glorious crown!
O resurrection day!
When Christ the Lord from heav’n comes down
And bears my soul away.
The story was a really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians and will put us to the test! Always be on guard and remember that you carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself “Christian.”
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a comment