We are all headed in a spiritual direction. Our goal as disciples of Jesus is to become increasingly and ultimately like Him as we walk in the Spirit. Our journey of faith is ultimately about imitating the life of Jesus as He lived on this earth.
I just finished teaching a Bible course to our ministry students on the synoptic gospels, a study of the life of Christ. Additionally, the Bible reading program I started on Jan. 1 goes through the New Testament in 60 days. So I've been looking a lot at the life Jesus modeled for me. That's what my life is supposed to look like.
Consider the words of the Apostle John...
We can be sure that we know God if we obey his commands. Anyone who says, “I know God,” but does not obey God’s commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But
if someone obeys God’s teaching, then in that person God’s love has
truly reached its goal. This is how we can be sure we are living in God: Whoever says that he lives in God must live as Jesus lived. 1 John 2:3-6 NCV
So, what direction are you headed? Moving more and more toward living like Jesus lived? Or moving in the other direction? Before you freak out, I'm not talking about legalism or salvation by our good works, but when there has been true transformation or 'rebirth' of our nature, the fruit of our lives is different. There is a change. 'Old things are passed away, and all things have become new.' At least that's what the Scriptures teach. (2 Cor. 5:17)
Maybe you know some people that profess to be Christians but their lives look nothing like Jesus describes of His followers. At best, they are misrepresenting what it means to be a follower of Jesus. At worst, they are lost and headed for an eternity apart from God.
So, I think it's good for all of us to evaluate how we are doing in spiritual maturity when held up to the standard of Christ. If I've gotten off course, I want to allow God's Word to redirect me. If we are really followers of Jesus, what will our lives look like?
Here's one measurement:
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19-20
A characteristic of Jesus is not anger. Anger = not a fruit of the Spirit. In fact, the opposite is true. Human anger does not produce righteousness in our lives. If we are continually spouting off and blowing up at people in our home, our work or in our church, this is an indicator that something is seriously wrong at the core of our spiritual life.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, let my life imitate You today. As You are compassionate, gracious and slow to anger, may I find these traits in myself. May I not be provoked quickly because Your Word says that anger resides in the lap of fools. May I not take offense, but live in peace with those around me. And above all things, may my fervent love for others cover a multitude of sins. Amen.
Staying on course...
David
