As believers in Christ, we are called to also be His followers. What does this mean? That we become Christians or little Christlike people. In a sense, we become God’s hands and feet as if He was here in person. What we are doing is imitating the Lord, which is a good thing, for the light of Jesus is shining forth in our lives for all to see. Now, to learn this more in detail, let us now focus our time in Ephesians 5. It reads, 1“be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” (Ephesians 5:1,2) 1“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.” (Ephesians 5:8-12) As was spoken here by Paul, we are followers of Christ as we love the Lord and our neighbor. We do this also by not allowing the works of darkness and sin to take shape in our lives. Instead, we speak out against abortion, homosexuality, pornography, fornication, doing drugs, getting drunk, profanity, and any other bad habits and addictions, which are temptations from the enemy. We do this with respect and love, but that people know that God holds a higher standard for us all. We are not prideful in what we do, but live differently because the Holy Spirit is in us now.
When it comes to willful sin, Paul taught the believers to not live any longer this way, where you will be drawn away from God and into the world. He said, 1“but fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them.” (Ephesians 5:3-7) Therefore, we repent of our sins, for our old way of living is over and we have a new life with Christ. Even our old friends, who are of the world, need to be made known about our new way of life with God. And if they are not interested and are causing you to sin, then they are a bad influence upon you. We must pray about these people, and even cut some of them out of our friend’s list if that is God’s will. This may be hard, but partaking in what they do against God is not good for us as Christians. You can pray and share the gospel with them, but not partake in their evil deeds any longer. So be careful in this. 1“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15,16) The days we live in are very dark indeed. So continue to shine your light for Christ. Become His follower and do as He says.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will understand the need to get themselves right with You. It is one thing to say that they believe in You, and another thing to really follow You. What we do in Your kingdom or the world says a lot about the person we really are. So, as Christians, help people understand that this means that they are willing to be Christlike also. That they are now Your willing servants upon this earth. We are no longer involved with things that are of the world, which will lead us into darkness, but seek first Your kingdom, that we may choose wisely. Even our friends need to know what we stand for, which is doing Your will. People may not be happy when they realize that we are now Your disciples, but we cannot go around with a certain face at church, then what we do during the week. If we love truly love You, then it will be shown in our everyday life. Yes, Lord, You are the one that helps us live a life that pleases You and not ourselves. We can have this motivation to do what is right, but this motivation comes from You. These good intentions to quit doing things that are wrong is because You are in our life now strengthening us. Thank You, Lord. It is my desire to please You and to give You glory, not myself. I do not wish to have anyone follow me, but You alone. May I learn to approach people with the truth of God with respect and love. Help people know that there is a better life to be had, which is in Christ the Lord. We don’t have to live this life in fear, depression, anxiety, guilt, or shame, for You are our healer. Anyone that puts their trust in You will be healed from such things. Even members of the faith will be able to put their hands upon them, that they may be healed of sicknesses and disease also. We are Your hands and feet and I give You the glory. I love You, Lord. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
