Walking in His Ways: Do As I Do?

 

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.  Ephesians 5:1-2

 “Do as I say, not as I do!” That was a tongue-in-cheek semi-joking saying when I was a kid. Some of the adults in my life were not emulating Christ in the way they ought to, and this was their excuse. At the time, I thought it was perfectly reasonable, but in hindsight, I think they dropped the ball. We are given a great responsibility of representing Christ in this world. Are we going to do it perfectly? Of course not! Not one of us is God-made-flesh like He was. But, nonetheless, we are called to try.

 Why is this so important? After all, we are saved by grace, through faith, and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). However this is not about our salvation, but the salvation of others. For many people, we are the only Jesus they may ever see. Especially where I live, it’s unlikely that many people will ever darken the doors of a church, or even pick up a Bible. Their impression of Jesus will be largely driven by what they see of His people, the Church, and each member of that body is individually responsible for their actions, but as His people we are also a part of that corporate image as well.

 No, I cannot make anyone else do or say what I think they should, but I can speak up for what is right. I can encourage those that are showing love and acting in a Christ-like way. I can offer loving guidance to those God has placed in my sphere who might be stepping outside of the guidelines given here and elsewhere in the Bible around acting as ambassadors of our Savior. Because that is what we are – representatives of God in a world hell-bent on going their own way. If we align our behavior to theirs, all we are doing is supporting and encouraging them on their way to their doom. How awful! The world makes it sound so loving and supportive, but in reality it is the opposite. If we truly love others, with Christ’s love, we must tell them the truth, albeit done in love as God would have us do. Shouting at people with hateful judgement is not sharing the truth in love, but coming alongside someone and earning the right to speak into their lives is.

Here's the Thing: Being Jesus’ hands and feet in this world is an honor and a privilege. The reality is that living according to God’s directions is also good for us as it makes our lives so much better! This is not a burden, but a blessing!