“Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1

All Years’ Resolutions Part 2

Could I, like Paul, say, “Follow my example”? Am I so like Jesus that I could ever say that I love like Jesus? Am I obedient to my Father’s every command like Jesus? Do I hear every whisper of His still small voice?

We go to BIBLE study after BIBLE study. We go to church on Sundays and Wednesdays, constantly getting fed the Word. Are we stuffing ourselves at the buffet of learning, but not giving out to others any of what we are learning? Are we getting fatter and fatter with no exercise of our faith to illustrate to the world around us? Do we live for Jesus both publicly and behind closed doors? Does the world around us see Jesus in all that we do and all that we have become?

On a personal note, I remember an old song written by Thomas Chisholm. The title was “Living for Jesus.” I will share a short refrain:

Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.

Refrain:
O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.*

Although they are the words of Mr. Chisholm, I see Scripture all through it as he has picked out just what we are looking for in God’s Word. Jesus gave us His example of how to live for Him. How could I give Him less than my all?

The song goes on to address living for Jesus wherever I am, wherever He has placed me, and suggests even suffering affliction and loss. It also speaks to seeking the lost ones that Jesus died to redeem, and bringing the weary to Jesus to find rest and peace in Him.

Oh, that I could live as Jesus did, in my own skin.

“LORD JESUS, may I live these words day by day publicly before neighbors and store employees that serve me, and behind closed doors. May they see Jesus in me and feel His love coming from me. Thank You, God, for Your Holy Word for us to clearly see Your example. You came to show us so that we may show others and lead them to You.”

*C. Harold Lowden | Thomas Obediah Chisholm, © Words: Public Domain; Music: Public Domain