‘Live as Jesus did’
Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. (1 John 2:6)
You’ve likely heard and probably even used the phrase, “If you’re going to talk the talk, you need to walk the walk.” It conveys the idea that you can’t say one thing and act in a completely different manner.
As much as that phrase might ring true in regular earthly life, it is even more important for us as Christians. We can’t claim to be a Christian when our words or actions show nothing of the Christian life.
It’s not just speaking and acting totally opposite of the Christian faith we claim to confess. If we simply go along with the way everyone else lives because we don’t want to stick out and be ridiculed for our Christian faith, it is no better.
Notice the clear way John describes in the verse above how we are to live, “as Jesus did.” That is an awfully high standard to seek to live up to. Remember the way Jesus spoke and acted. He didn’t just say “love your enemies” (Matthew 5:43), he did that in his words and actions. Think of how he remained silent when his enemies falsely accused him. He even stood there and received their slaps on the face.
Jesus didn’t just say “do good” (Luke 6:27), he did it over and over and over. Consider these examples:
- Think of how many people he healed.
- How he provided food for several thousand people from just a few loaves of bread and a couple fish.
- How he helped a desperate wedding couple with his first miracle and changed water into wine.
- How he raised people from the dead.
If you read the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark Luke and John), they are filled with many examples of how Jesus showed loved, concern, and compassion at every turn.
I realize it is a rather tall order to “live as Jesus did.” Think about what message the opposite sends. If we talk about being a Christian and live nothing like it, doesn’t that tell people that the Christian faith is not that important?
The real difficult part about this is that Jesus doesn’t just ask us to live like him when we know people are listening or watching. The bigger witness is given when we have no idea that people are aware of who we are, and our Christian faith shines bright and clear.
The only way to “live as Jesus did,” is to listen to what Jesus has to say in the Bible. Seek his strength and guidance to help us walk the Christian walk.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I realize how I wrestle with not only talking the Christian talk, but also walking the Christian walk as you did. Forgive me for the times I have failed to show my faith in my words or actions. Lead me to regularly listen to you in your Word and then give me the strength and desire to walk as you did, to your praise and glory. Amen.