ARE YOU A TRUE FOLLOWER OF CHRIST, OR DO YOU JUST CLAIM TO BE HIS FOLLOWER?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 
and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave 
himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 
(Ephesians 5:1-2)

MEDITATION:
There are many who claim to be followers of Christ, 
but are failing to reflect His image in their lives.
Paul tells the Ephesian Christians (and us) to ‘follow God’s example’.
Makes sense doesn’t it?
If we claim to follow Him, then we should ‘follow’ Him.

A fair question is, “How can we follow His example?”
Paul gives us the answer – ‘walk in the way of love’.
Whenever we truly are walking in the ‘way of love’, 
our lives will reflect the love of Christ.

Instead of being self-centered, we will have a spirit of selflessness.
Instead of finding fault with others, we will focus on their good qualities. 
Instead of dampening the spirits of others, we will be encouragers.
Instead of creating our own form of worship, 
we will obey and worship by God’s standards.

The list could go on and on, but suffice it to say 
that when we live a life driven and ruled by love, we will gravitate to, 
and develop other characteristics of Christ that are visible to others.
Christ ‘gave Himself up’ as an expression of His love 
and as a ‘sacrifice to God’.

ACTION:
What have you given up of yourself?
What have you sacrificed for God?
Are you still driven by selfishness, or have you changed 
and started following God’s example of ‘walking in love’? 

The scriptures tell us that when you ‘walk in the way of love’, 
you are considered as one of God’s dearly loved children.
Conversely, if you have not allowed this change in your heart and life,
would you be considered a dearly loved child of His?

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, I have been selfish too long and I need Your Spirit 
within me so that I can change and become a selfless person. Help me 
to make this transition and to start walking in the way of love. I trust 
that when I lose my selfishness and replace it with love and concern 
for others, I will feel more comfortable identifying myself as a follower 
of You and Christ.”

blog: utvolwoody.wordpress.com