As Christ

“Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26-28

“I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you… A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” John 13:15,34

“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 15:5-7

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

“As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.'” 1 Peter 1:15-16

Serve. Love. Welcome. Be kind. Forgive. As I have you. The scriptures present a high charge to God’s people: to walk as Jesus did while on earth. To be holy as He is holy. Walking in His steps, full of His Spirit and attitude and patience and zeal and joy, is not an easy calling for the flesh. Yet as the Lord commands, so He enables our obedience. Life this side of heaven is a process of His finishing what He began in us the moment of salvation. (2 Corinthians 1:21; Philippians 1:6; 1 John 2:6)

Ours is a determination to cooperate. To be as Christ is and do what He does we must watch and listen and follow in His steps, His direction, His pace, in His strength. Are we attuned? Are we intent?

How well are we attending to Jesus to familiarize ourselves with His pattern of thinking, His motivations, His manner of dealing with people and situations? When is our regular time to drink in His word and soak in its beautiful truths? What are we daily learning and putting into practice?

“Lord, speak to me that I may speak
In living echoes of your tone.
As you have sought, so let me seek
Your erring children, lost and lone.

Oh, lead me, Lord, that I may lead
The wand’ring and the wav’ring feet.
Oh, feed me, Lord, that I may feed
Your hungry ones with manna sweet.

Oh, teach me, Lord, that I may teach
The precious truths which you impart.
And wing my words that they may reach
The hidden depths of many a heart.

Oh, fill me with your fullness, Lord,
Until my very hearts o’erflows
In kindling thought and glowing word,
Your love to tell, your praise to show.

Oh, use me, Lord, use even me,
Just as you will, and when, and where
Until your blessed face I see,
Your rest, your joy, your glory share.” ~Frances Ridley Havergal (1872)

Lord, equip me with everything good for walking as You did, and work in and out of me all that pleases and reflects and glorifies You. (Hebrews 13:21)